CVE-2021-28278: A Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability exists in jhead 3.04 and 3.05 via the RemoveSectionType function in

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HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2021-28278 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.

A Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability exists in jhead 3.04 and 3.05 via the RemoveSectionType function in jpgfile.c.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.9% (top 41%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
Published	2022-03-23
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: jhead project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-03-23 21:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:46 UTCUpdated Record last modified

jhead project jhead DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.04 · 3.05

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.04

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.04 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison jhead sudo apt install jhead=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.04> sudo apt-mark hold jhead

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list jhead sudo dnf downgrade jhead-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.04> sudo dnf versionlock add jhead

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

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-2021-28278?

jhead: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-28278 being exploited?

CVE-2021-28278 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-2021-28278 affect?

CVE-2021-28278 affects jhead. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). A Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability exists in jhead 3.04 and 3.05 via the RemoveSectionType function in jpgfile.c.

How urgent is CVE-2021-28278?

Priority 47/100. 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.
CVE-2021-28277 HIGH 7.8 DOWNGRADE A Heap-based Buffer Overflow vulnerabilty exists in jhead 3.04 and 3.05 is affected by: Buffer Overflow via th

References

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