CVE-2020-28840: Buffer Overflow vulnerability in jpgfile.c in Matthias-Wandel jhead version 3.04, allows local attackers to ex

Q: How do I fix CVE-2020-28840?

jhead: upgrade to 3.04. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2020-28840 being exploited?

CVE-2020-28840 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-2020-28840 affect?

CVE-2020-28840 affects jhead. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Buffer Overflow vulnerability in jpgfile.c in Matthias-Wandel jhead version 3.04, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code and cause a denial of service (DoS).

Q: How urgent is CVE-2020-28840?

Priority 40/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2020-28840 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting jhead. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer Overflow vulnerability in jpgfile.c in Matthias-Wandel jhead version 3.04, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code and cause a denial of service (DoS).

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 71%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-120
Published	2023-08-11
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: matthiaswandel

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-08-11 14:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

matthiaswandel jhead UPGRADE

Affected: < 3.04

Fixed in: 3.04

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 3.04 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade jhead

Note

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

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-2020-28840?

jhead: upgrade to 3.04. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-28840 being exploited?

CVE-2020-28840 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-2020-28840 affect?

CVE-2020-28840 affects jhead. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Buffer Overflow vulnerability in jpgfile.c in Matthias-Wandel jhead version 3.04, allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code and cause a denial of service (DoS).

How urgent is CVE-2020-28840?

Priority 40/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2025-44906 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE jhead v3.08 was discovered to contain a heap-use-after-free via the ProcessFile function at jhead.c.
CVE-2022-41751 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE Jhead 3.06.0.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands by placing them in a JPEG filename and then u
CVE-2022-28550 CRITICAL 9.8 DOWNGRADE Matthias-Wandel/jhead jhead 3.06 is vulnerable to Buffer Overflow via shellescape(), jhead.c, jhead
CVE-2021-34055 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE MITIGATE jhead 3.06 is vulnerable to Buffer Overflow via exif.c in function Put16u.

References

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