OpenImageIO: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
CVE-2026-63422 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in OpenImageIO from AcademySoftwareFoundation, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 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. Affected OpenImageIO versions: < 3.0.21.0; >= 3.1.0.0, < 3.1.16.0; >= 3.2.0.0-dev, < 3.2.0.3-beta1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.21% 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 OpenImageIO 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.
- 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
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| AcademySoftwareFoundation | OpenImageIO | < 3.0.21.0; >= 3.1.0.0, < 3.1.16.0; >= 3.2.0.0-dev, < 3.2.0.3-beta1 | Not stated |
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
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- 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:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
OpenImageIO is a toolset for reading, writing, and manipulating image files of any image file format relevant to VFX / animation. Prior to 3.0.21.0, 3.1.16.0, and 3.2.0.3-beta1, A valid tiled openexr image whose width is not a multiple of its tile width can trigger an overflow when a caller reads a partial edge-tile rectangle. openexrinput::read_native_tiles() copies each row into the caller buffer using the padded whole-tile scanline_stride rather than user_scanline_bytes for the requested rectangle, resulting in a heap out-of-bounds write and memory corruption. The affected implementation is identified by src/openexr.imageio/exrinput.cpp, OpenEXRInput::read_native_tiles(), partial edge tile, user_scanline_bytes, and scanline_stride, which define the relevant source path, functions, state, and trigger. This issue is fixed in versions 3.0.21.0, 3.1.16.0, and 3.2.0.3-beta1.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
The product writes past the end of a buffer that was allocated on the heap.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Pre-design: Use a language or compiler that performs automatic bounds checking.
- Use an abstraction library to abstract away risky APIs. Not a complete solution.
- Use automatic buffer overflow detection mechanisms that are offered by certain compilers or compiler extensions. Examples include: the Microsoft Visual Studio /GS flag, Fedora/Red Hat FORTIFY_SOURCE GCC flag, StackGuard, and ProPolice, which provide various mechanisms including canary-based detection and range/index checking. D3-SFCV (Stack Frame Canary Validation) from D3FEND discusses canary-based detection in detail.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Patches and release notes
- github.com/AcademySoftwareFoundation/OpenImageIO/commit/7303134f13b0f9dc738b8ecabecd8c9f90cbd4c9
- github.com/AcademySoftwareFoundation/OpenImageIO/pull/5295Issue Tracking
- github.com/AcademySoftwareFoundation/OpenImageIO/releases/tag/v3.0.21.0Release Notes
- github.com/AcademySoftwareFoundation/OpenImageIO/releases/tag/v3.1.16.0Release Notes
Other vulnerabilities in OpenImageIO
- 7.6 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
Recent Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities
- 8.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
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