exiv2: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2026-27596 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in exiv2, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected exiv2 versions: < 0.28.8. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.42% 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
- Check which version of exiv2 you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
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
- 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
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- 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:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 2.7 | Low | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
Exiv2 is a C++ library and a command-line utility to read, write, delete and modify Exif, IPTC, XMP and ICC image metadata. Prior to version 0.28.8, an out-of-bounds read was found in Exiv2. The vulnerability is in the preview component, which is only triggered when running Exiv2 with an extra command line argument, like -pp. The out-of-bounds read is at a 4GB offset, which usually causes Exiv2 to crash. This issue has been patched in version 0.28.8.
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: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other references
- github.com/Exiv2/exiv2/issues/3511Issue Tracking
Other vulnerabilities in exiv2
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 8.4 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
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