How severe is CVE-2026-18298?

CVE-2026-18298 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2026-18298 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (12th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2026-18298?

CVE-2026-18298 affects Gstreamer. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2026-18298?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2026-18298 published?

CVE-2026-18298 was published on 2026-08-20 and last updated on 2026-09-02.

CVE-2026-18298

CVE-2026-18298 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gstreamer with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-122.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (12th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-122
Affected product: Gstreamer
Published: 2026-08-20
Last modified: 2026-09-02

Description

GStreamer PNG File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GStreamer. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of PNG files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-29581.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-18298?: GStreamer PNG File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GStreamer. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of PNG files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-29581.
How severe is CVE-2026-18298?: CVE-2026-18298 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2026-18298 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (12th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2026-18298?: CVE-2026-18298 affects Gstreamer. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2026-18298?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2026-18298 published?: CVE-2026-18298 was published on 2026-08-20 and last updated on 2026-09-02.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:gstreamer:gstreamer:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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