FFmpeg: Double Free
CVE-2026-64832 is a high-severity double free vulnerability in FFmpeg, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected FFmpeg versions: 4.4 through 8.1.2; 4c6217477fc64305055b37d9d1d0d76d30e37f97. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.34% 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 FFmpeg 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.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FFmpeg | FFmpeg | 4.4 through 8.1.2; 4c6217477fc64305055b37d9d1d0d76d30e37f97 | 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
- 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
- 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:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.7 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
FFmpeg versions 4.4 through 8.1.2 contain a double-free vulnerability in the NVIDIA NVDEC hardware decoder within libavcodec/nvdec.c that allows attackers to trigger memory corruption by supplying a crafted video file. When no decoder surfaces remain, the ff_nvdec_start_frame_sep_ref error path frees memory via nvdec_fdd_priv_free while the calling layer subsequently frees the same frame description data, resulting in a double-free of the underlying decoder context in any FFmpeg-based application using NVDEC hardware-accelerated decoding.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Double Free
The product calls free() twice on the same memory address.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Choose a language that provides automatic memory management.
- Ensure that each allocation is freed only once. After freeing a chunk, set the pointer to NULL to ensure the pointer cannot be freed again. In complicated error conditions, be sure that clean-up routines respect the state of allocation properly. If the language is object oriented, ensure that object destructors delete each chunk of memory only once.
- Use a static analysis tool to find double free instances.
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
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
Other vulnerabilities in FFmpeg
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
Recent Double Free vulnerabilities
- 7.3 High severity
- 8.4 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.