CVE-2026-62439 Overview
CVE-2026-62439 is an integer overflow vulnerability [CWE-190] in the GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) file-pvr plug-in. The flaw occurs when the plug-in calculates memory buffer sizes based on PowerVR (.pvr) image dimensions. An attacker who convinces a user to open or preview a crafted .pvr file can trigger a heap-based buffer overflow. Successful exploitation may lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the GIMP process or an application crash resulting in Denial of Service.
Critical Impact
A crafted PowerVR file processed by GIMP can corrupt heap memory, enabling arbitrary code execution or application crash on the targeted workstation.
Affected Products
- GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) — file-pvr plug-in
- Linux distributions shipping affected GIMP packages (tracked via Red Hat CVE Advisory)
- Downstream products bundling the vulnerable GIMP plug-in
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-10-16 - CVE-2026-62439 published to NVD
- 2026-10-19 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-62439
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the file-pvr plug-in that handles PowerVR texture files in GIMP. During parsing, the plug-in computes an allocation size derived from image width, height, and per-pixel size fields read from the file header. When these attacker-controlled values are multiplied, the result can exceed the maximum value of the integer type used in the calculation, wrapping around to a small value.
GIMP then allocates a heap buffer sized by the wrapped-around value while continuing to copy pixel data based on the original large dimensions. The subsequent write operation overruns the undersized allocation, corrupting adjacent heap metadata and application data. Depending on heap layout and allocator behavior, this corruption can be shaped into control-flow hijacking primitives.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing validation of arithmetic operations on untrusted dimension fields before buffer allocation. The plug-in trusts the header-supplied width, height, and pixel size without checking for integer overflow conditions, violating secure allocation practice for parsers that process attacker-controlled input.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires local user interaction. The attacker delivers a crafted .pvr file through email, messaging, a web download, or a shared drive. When the user opens the file in GIMP or triggers a thumbnail preview that invokes the plug-in, the overflow executes. Attack complexity is high because reliable code execution depends on predictable heap layout and bypass of standard mitigations such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR). Refer to the GNOME GIMP Issue #16314 for upstream technical discussion.
Stop Remote Code Execution Before It Runs
Singularity™ Endpoint detects and blocks exploit attempts at machine speed, including zero-days and novel attack techniques.
Stop Exploit AttemptsDetection Methods for CVE-2026-62439
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes of the gimp process while opening or previewing files with .pvr extensions
- Core dumps or crash reports referencing the file-pvr plug-in or related memory functions
- .pvr files received from untrusted sources, especially with anomalously large dimension fields in the header
- Child processes spawned by GIMP that are inconsistent with normal image editing workflow
Detection Strategies
- Monitor endpoint telemetry for abnormal termination of gimp or its plug-in processes correlated with recently opened .pvr files
- Inspect PowerVR file headers at email and web gateways to flag files whose declared dimensions would trigger integer overflow when multiplied
- Alert on GIMP processes launching shells, scripting interpreters, or network connections after opening an image file
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable process execution and file-open auditing on workstations with GIMP installed
- Collect and retain crash telemetry from GIMP for retrospective hunting against the file-pvr call path
- Track installed GIMP versions across the fleet to prioritize unpatched hosts
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-62439
Immediate Actions Required
- Inventory all endpoints with GIMP installed and identify versions shipping the vulnerable file-pvr plug-in
- Apply vendor-supplied updates once available from distribution maintainers tracking the Red Hat Bug Report #2554464
- Advise users to avoid opening .pvr files from untrusted sources until patches are deployed
Patch Information
At the time of publication, patch availability is tracked through upstream GNOME GIMP and downstream distribution advisories. Monitor the Red Hat CVE Advisory and the GNOME GIMP Issue #16314 for fix commits and package updates. Apply security updates through your standard package management channels.
Workarounds
- Remove or disable the file-pvr plug-in from the GIMP plug-ins directory where PowerVR support is not required
- Block .pvr attachments at email and web gateways for user populations that do not legitimately process PowerVR textures
- Disable thumbnail generation for .pvr files in file manager configurations to prevent exposure through preview workflows
# Example: locate and disable the file-pvr plug-in on Linux
find /usr/lib*/gimp -name 'file-pvr*' -print
sudo chmod -x /usr/lib64/gimp/2.0/plug-ins/file-pvr/file-pvr
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
