openexr: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
CVE-2026-68515 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in openexr from AcademySoftwareFoundation, 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. Affected openexr versions: >= 3.3.0, < 3.3.13; >= 3.4.0, < 3.4.14; < 3.2.11. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.19% 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 openexr 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 | openexr | >= 3.3.0, < 3.3.13; >= 3.4.0, < 3.4.14; < 3.2.11 | 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
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- 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:N/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
OpenEXR is the reference implementation and specification for the EXR image format, widely used in the motion picture industry. In versions before 3.2.11, 3.3.0 through 3.3.12, and 3.4.0 through 3.4.13, exrmultiview can write past a heap allocation when it combines two attacker-supplied, individually valid scanline EXR files whose union dataWindow is not aligned to one view's channel subsampling. The utility allocates sampled channel storage using a truncated union_width / xSampling, then reads the sampled input through a Slice based on the misaligned union window, producing a heap out-of-bounds write. The trigger is normal public-tool processing, such as exrmultiview left A.exr right B.exr out.exr with crafted but valid inputs, so this is not solely an API or caller-precondition issue. This issue is fixed in versions 3.2.11, 3.3.13, and 3.4.14.
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: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other vulnerabilities in openexr
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
Recent Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
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