CVE-2025-26623: Exiv2 is a C++ library and a command-line utility to read, write, delete and modify Exif, IPTC, XMP and ICC im

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2025-26623 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting exiv2. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Exiv2 is a C++ library and a command-line utility to read, write, delete and modify Exif, IPTC, XMP and ICC image metadata. A heap buffer overflow was found in Exiv2 versions v0.28.0 to v0.28.4. Versions prior to v0.28.0, such as v0.27.7, are **not** affected. Exiv2 is a command-line utility and C++ library for reading, writing, deleting, and modifying the metadata of image files. The heap overflow is triggered when Exiv2 is used to write metadat

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.9% (top 40%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-416
Published	2025-02-18
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: exiv2

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-02-18 20:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 09:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

exiv2 exiv2 UPGRADE

Affected: >= 0.28.0 and < 0.28.5

Fixed in: 0.28.5

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.28.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy exiv2 || rpm -q exiv2 || exiv2 --version

2. UPGRADE to 0.28.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade exiv2

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade exiv2

Note

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

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.28.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison exiv2 sudo apt install exiv2=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.28.0> sudo apt-mark hold exiv2

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list exiv2 sudo dnf downgrade exiv2-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.28.0> sudo dnf versionlock add exiv2

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-2025-26623?

exiv2: upgrade to 0.28.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2025-26623 being exploited?

CVE-2025-26623 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-2025-26623 affect?

CVE-2025-26623 affects exiv2. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). Exiv2 is a C++ library and a command-line utility to read, write, delete and modify Exif, IPTC, XMP and ICC image metadata. A heap buffer overflow was found in Exiv2 versions v0.28.0 to v0.28.4. Versions prior to v0.28.0, such as v0.27.7, a

How urgent is CVE-2025-26623?

Priority 59/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2025-55304 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE Exiv2 is a C++ library and a command-line utility to read, write, delete and modify Exif, IPTC, XMP and ICC im
CVE-2025-54080 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE Exiv2 is a C++ library and a command-line utility to read, write, delete and modify Exif, IPTC, XMP and ICC im
CVE-2026-27631 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE Exiv2 is a C++ library and a command-line utility to read, write, delete and modify Exif, IPTC, XMP and ICC im
CVE-2026-27596 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Exiv2 is a C++ library and a command-line utility to read, write, delete and modify Exif, IPTC, XMP and ICC im
CVE-2026-25884 HIGH 8.1 UPGRADE Exiv2 is a C++ library and a command-line utility to read, write, delete and modify Exif, IPTC, XMP and ICC im

References

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