Imager: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2026-13705 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Imager from TONYC, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 1.032 as the first without the flaw, so updating Imager to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.18% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Imager to 1.032 or a later version.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- 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:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
Imager versions before 1.032 for Perl have a heap out-of-bounds read in the bundled Imager::File::SGI reader via a 16-bit RLE literal run in read_rgb_16_rle. read_rgb_16_rle guards each literal run with if (count > data_left), but count is a pixel count while every 16-bit sample consumes two bytes. The copy loop reads inp[0] * 256 + inp[1] and advances two bytes per pixel, so a run with data_left / 2 < count <= data_left passes the guard yet consumes 2 * count bytes and reads past the end of the buffer. The 8-bit path is unaffected because there one pixel is one byte. Reading a crafted SGI image through Imager->read triggers the over-read before the parser rejects the malformed image, which can crash the process.
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: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Imager
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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