Heif Image Extension: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2025-62821 is a critical-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Heif Image Extension from Microsoft, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Heif Image Extension versions: 1.2.22.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.05% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 65% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Heif Image Extension you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft | Heif Image Extension | 1.2.22.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
Microsoft HEIF Image Extensions 1.2.22.0 has an out-of-bounds read because CHEIFItemInfoEntry_GetDataSize can return success while leaving the reported data size as 0. This causes a caller to make a 1-byte allocation. Later, CopyPixels computes copy_size = stride * abs(roi_height) but does not check the source buffer length before a memmove call.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read
The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/hyunjungg/CVE-2025-62821Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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