CVE-2026-55379
CVE-2026-55379 is a high-severity vulnerability in Python Pillow with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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-789.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (29th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-789
- Affected product: Python Pillow
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
Pillow is a Python imaging library. Prior to 12.3.0, PIL/BdfFontFile.py bdf_char() read the BBX width and height field from a BDF font file and passed attacker-controlled dimensions to Image.new() without calling Image._decompression_bomb_check(), bypassing Pillow's documented decompression bomb protection and allowing excessive memory allocation. This issue is fixed in version 12.3.0.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-55379?
- Pillow is a Python imaging library. Prior to 12.3.0, PIL/BdfFontFile.py bdf_char() read the BBX width and height field from a BDF font file and passed attacker-controlled dimensions to Image.new() without calling Image._decompression_bomb_check(), bypassing Pillow's documented decompression bomb protection and allowing excessive memory allocation. This issue is fixed in version 12.3.0.
- How severe is CVE-2026-55379?
- CVE-2026-55379 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2026-55379 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (29th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2026-55379?
- CVE-2026-55379 affects Python Pillow. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2026-55379?
- 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-2026-55379 published?
- CVE-2026-55379 was published on 2026-07-06 and last updated on 2026-07-07.
References
- https://github.com/python-pillow/Pillow/blob/main/docs/releasenotes/12.3.0.rst
- https://github.com/python-pillow/Pillow/commit/0a263e6264aa5399988d9acd3bbfbca2ca3ec77d
- https://github.com/python-pillow/Pillow/security/advisories/GHSA-45hq-cxwh-f6vc
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:python:pillow:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
More vulnerabilities in Python Pillow
- CVE-2014-3007 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Python Image Library (PIL) 1.1.7 and earlier and Pillow 2.3 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands…
- CVE-2022-30595 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): libImaging/TgaRleDecode.c in Pillow 9.1.0 has a heap buffer overflow in the processing of invalid TGA image files.
- CVE-2022-22817 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): PIL.ImageMath.eval in Pillow before 9.0.0 allows evaluation of arbitrary expressions, such as ones that use the Python…
- CVE-2021-34552 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Pillow through 8.2.0 and PIL (aka Python Imaging Library) through 1.1.7 allow an attacker to pass controlled parameters…
- CVE-2021-25289 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): An issue was discovered in Pillow before 8.1.1. TiffDecode has a heap-based buffer overflow when decoding crafted YCbCr…
- CVE-2020-5312 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): libImaging/PcxDecode.c in Pillow before 6.2.2 has a PCX P mode buffer overflow.
All CVEs affecting Python Pillow →
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