CVE-2026-18298: GStreamer PNG File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-18298?

gstreamer: upgrade to 1.28.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-18298 being exploited?

CVE-2026-18298 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-2026-18298 affect?

CVE-2026-18298 affects gstreamer. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). GStreamer PNG File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GStreamer. User interaction is required to exploit

Routine

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2026-18298 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting gstreamer. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

GStreamer PNG File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GStreamer. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of PNG files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 87%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-122
Published	2026-08-20
Last modified	2026-10-26

Publisher (CNA): Zero Day Initiative · Vendor: gstreamer

Last updated 2026-10-26 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-08-20 17:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-26 10:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gstreamer gstreamer UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.28.5

Fixed in: 1.28.5

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 1.28.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade gstreamer

Note

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

Advisories and coverage

Official advisories

Amazon Linux 2 ALAS: ALAS2-2026-3912 (important): gstreamer1-plugins-good 2026-09-14

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-2026-18298?

gstreamer: upgrade to 1.28.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-18298 being exploited?

CVE-2026-18298 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-2026-18298 affect?

CVE-2026-18298 affects gstreamer. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). GStreamer PNG File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of GStreamer. User interaction is required to exploit

How urgent is CVE-2026-18298?

Priority 30/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-18296 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE GStreamer MRF File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
CVE-2026-18297 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE GStreamer OGG File Parsing Stack-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
CVE-2026-18295 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE GStreamer MRF File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
CVE-2026-18299 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE GStreamer rtpsbcdepay Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

References

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