CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2026-67549NVD status: Analyzed

OpenImageIO: Heap-based Buffer Overflow

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2026-67549 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in OpenImageIO from AcademySoftwareFoundation, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.6 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 OpenImageIO versions: < 3.1.16.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.29% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of OpenImageIO you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
  4. 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

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
AcademySoftwareFoundationOpenImageIO< 3.1.16.0Not 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
LowSome restricted data can be read.
Integrity
LowLimited modification of data is possible.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/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 3.1.16.0, A crafted 1-bit contiguous cmyk tiff is exposed through a native uint1 imagespec, so callers allocate a bit-packed buffer. tiffinput::read_native_scanline_locked() nevertheless invokes tiffinput::bit_convert() with 8-bit output and writes one expanded byte per value into that smaller buffer, resulting in a heap out-of-bounds write and memory corruption. The affected implementation is identified by src/tiff.imageio/tiffinput.cpp, TIFFInput::bit_convert(), TIFFInput::read_native_scanline_locked(), PHOTOMETRIC_SEPARATED, 1-bit CMYK, and native uint1 ImageSpec, which define the relevant source path, functions, state, and trigger. This issue is fixed in 3.1.16.0.

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.

More Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities (CWE-122)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)

Other vulnerabilities in OpenImageIO

All OpenImageIO vulnerabilities

Recent Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities

Spotted an error? Tell us.