CVE-2026-20889: A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the x3f_thumb_loader functionality of LibRaw Commit d2031

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2026-20889 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting libraw. 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 the x3f_thumb_loader functionality of LibRaw Commit d20315b. A specially crafted malicious file can lead to a heap buffer overflow. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger this vulnerability.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact
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	0.8% (top 43%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-190, CWE-120
Published	2026-04-07
Last modified	2026-07-15

Publisher (CNA): Talos · Vendor: libraw

Last updated 2026-07-15 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-04-07 15:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-15 02:18 UTCUpdated Record last modified

libraw libraw DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.22.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.22.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.22.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison libraw sudo apt install libraw=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.22.0> sudo apt-mark hold libraw

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

dnf --showduplicates list libraw sudo dnf downgrade libraw-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.22.0> sudo dnf versionlock add libraw

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.

Exact fixes by distribution

A distro patch exists: prefer upgrading over downgrading.

Fedora 46 · python-googleapis-common-protos · FIXED · 1.75.5-1.fc46~bootstrap · FEDORA-2026-d911c4c4e6 · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-d911c4c4e6

Fedora ELN · see advisory · FIXED · FEDORA-2026-e3987c278f · source

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=FEDORA-2026-e3987c278f

Debian 12 · libraw · FIXED · 0.20.2-2.1+deb12u2

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade libraw dpkg --compare-versions "$(dpkg-query -W -f='${Version}' libraw)" ge "0.20.2-2.1+deb12u2" && echo PATCHED || echo STILL-VULNERABLE

Debian 13 · libraw · FIXED · 0.21.4-2+deb13u1

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade libraw dpkg --compare-versions "$(dpkg-query -W -f='${Version}' libraw)" ge "0.21.4-2+deb13u1" && echo PATCHED || echo STILL-VULNERABLE

RHEL 8 · LibRaw · FIXED · LibRaw-0.19.5-6.el8_10

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=RHSA-2026:13284 rpm -q LibRaw

RHEL 8.4 Advanced Mission Critical Update Support · LibRaw · FIXED · LibRaw-0.19.5-2.el8_4.1

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=RHSA-2026:14224 rpm -q LibRaw

RHEL 8.4 Extended Update Support Long-Life Add-On · LibRaw · FIXED · LibRaw-0.19.5-2.el8_4.1

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=RHSA-2026:14224 rpm -q LibRaw

RHEL 8.6 Advanced Mission Critical Update Support · LibRaw · FIXED · LibRaw-0.19.5-3.el8_6.1

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=RHSA-2026:14655 rpm -q LibRaw

RHEL 8.6 Telecommunications Update Service · LibRaw · FIXED · LibRaw-0.19.5-3.el8_6.1

sudo dnf upgrade --advisory=RHSA-2026:14655 rpm -q LibRaw

Alpine 3.24 · libraw · FIXED · libraw-0.22.1-r0

apk add --upgrade libraw apk info -v libraw

Amazon Linux 2 · see advisory · FIXED · ALAS2-2026-3255 · source

sudo yum update --advisory=ALAS2-2026-3255

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-2026-20889?

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

Is CVE-2026-20889 being exploited?

CVE-2026-20889 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-2026-20889 affect?

CVE-2026-20889 affects libraw. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the x3f_thumb_loader functionality of LibRaw Commit d20315b. A specially crafted malicious file can lead to a heap buffer overflow. An attacker can provide a malicious file to trigger thi

How urgent is CVE-2026-20889?

Priority 61/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-21413 CRITICAL 9.8 DOWNGRADE A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the lossless_jpeg_load_raw functionality of LibRaw Commit
CVE-2026-5342 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE A flaw has been found in LibRaw up to 0.22.0
CVE-2026-24660 HIGH 8.1 DOWNGRADE A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the x3f_load_huffman functionality of LibRaw Commit d2031
CVE-2026-20911 CRITICAL 9.8 DOWNGRADE A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the HuffTable::initval functionality of LibRaw Commit 0b5
CVE-2026-5318 MEDIUM 4.3 UPGRADE A weakness has been identified in LibRaw up to 0.22.0

References

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