CVE-2023-48161: Buffer Overflow vulnerability in GifLib Project GifLib v.5.2.1 allows a local attacker to obtain sensitive inf

Routine

HIGH 7.1DOWNGRADE

CVE-2023-48161 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.1) affecting giflib. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer Overflow vulnerability in GifLib Project GifLib v.5.2.1 allows a local attacker to obtain sensitive information via the DumpSCreen2RGB function in gif2rgb.c

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.1 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 63%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-787
Published	2023-11-22
Last modified	2026-10-08

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: giflib project

Last updated 2026-10-08 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-11-22 06:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-08 22:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

giflib project giflib DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.2.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.2.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.2.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison giflib sudo apt install giflib=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.2.1> sudo apt-mark hold giflib

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

dnf --showduplicates list giflib sudo dnf downgrade giflib-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.2.1> sudo dnf versionlock add giflib

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-2023-48161?

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

Is CVE-2023-48161 being exploited?

CVE-2023-48161 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-2023-48161 affect?

CVE-2023-48161 affects giflib. Severity is high (CVSS 7.1). Buffer Overflow vulnerability in GifLib Project GifLib v.5.2.1 allows a local attacker to obtain sensitive information via the DumpSCreen2RGB function in gif2rgb.c

How urgent is CVE-2023-48161?

Priority 39/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-26740 HIGH 8.2 DOWNGRADE Buffer Overflow vulnerability in giflib v.5.2.2 allows a remote attacker to cause a denial of service via the
CVE-2026-23868 MEDIUM 5.1 UPGRADE Giflib contains a double-free vulnerability that is the result of a shallow copy in GifMakeSavedImage and inco
CVE-2024-45993 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE Giflib Project v5.2.2 is vulnerable to a heap buffer overflow via gif2rgb.

References

← Back to latest CVEs