CVE-2016-2533: Buffer overflow in the ImagingPcdDecode function in PcdDecode.c in Pillow before 3.1.1 and Python Imaging Libr

Q: How do I fix CVE-2016-2533?

pillow: upgrade to newer than 3.1.0; python imaging: upgrade to newer than 1.1.7; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2016-2533 being exploited?

CVE-2016-2533 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2016-2533 affect?

CVE-2016-2533 affects pillow, python imaging, debian linux. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). Buffer overflow in the ImagingPcdDecode function in PcdDecode.c in Pillow before 3.1.1 and Python Imaging Library (PIL) 1.1.7 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted PhotoCD file.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2016-2533?

Priority 50/100. EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited; On your watchlist

This month

MEDIUM 6.5WATCHLISTUPGRADEUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2016-2533 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting pillow, python imaging, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in the ImagingPcdDecode function in PcdDecode.c in Pillow before 3.1.1 and Python Imaging Library (PIL) 1.1.7 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted PhotoCD file.

Why this priority

EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	4.0% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2016-04-13
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: debian · python · python imaging project

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2016-04-13 16:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:44 UTCUpdated Record last modified

python pillow UPGRADE

Affected: <= 3.1.0

Fixed in: newer than 3.1.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy pillow || rpm -q pillow || pillow --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 3.1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade pillow

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade pillow

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

python imaging project python imaging UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.1.7

Fixed in: newer than 1.1.7

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy python-imaging || rpm -q python-imaging || python-imaging --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.1.7 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade python-imaging

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade python-imaging

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 7.0 · 8.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2016-2533?

pillow: upgrade to newer than 3.1.0; python imaging: upgrade to newer than 1.1.7; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-2533 being exploited?

CVE-2016-2533 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2016-2533 affect?

CVE-2016-2533 affects pillow, python imaging, debian linux. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). Buffer overflow in the ImagingPcdDecode function in PcdDecode.c in Pillow before 3.1.1 and Python Imaging Library (PIL) 1.1.7 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) via a crafted PhotoCD file.

How urgent is CVE-2016-2533?

Priority 50/100. EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited; On your watchlist

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities · Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-96642 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE Pillow is a Python imaging library
CVE-2026-96636 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE Pillow is a Python imaging library
CVE-2026-114501 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE Pillow is a Python imaging library
CVE-2026-96639 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE Pillow is a Python imaging library
CVE-2026-96644 HIGH 8.1 UPGRADE Pillow is a Python imaging library

References

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