CVE-2026-23865: An integer overflow in the tt_var_load_item_variation_store function of the Freetype library in versions 2.13.

Routine

MEDIUM 5.3UPGRADE

CVE-2026-23865 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting freetype. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

An integer overflow in the tt_var_load_item_variation_store function of the Freetype library in versions 2.13.2 and 2.13.3 may allow for an out of bounds read operation when parsing HVAR/VVAR/MVAR tables in OpenType variable fonts. This issue is fixed in version 2.14.2.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 94%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-125
Published	2026-03-02
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Facebook, Inc. · Vendor: freetype

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-03-02 17:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 10:22 UTCUpdated Record last modified

freetype freetype UPGRADE

Affected: >= 2.13.2 and <= 2.13.3 · >= 2.14.0 and <= 2.14.1

Fixed in: newer than 2.14.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.13.2

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.14.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade freetype

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 2.13.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison freetype sudo apt install freetype=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.13.2> sudo apt-mark hold freetype

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

dnf --showduplicates list freetype sudo dnf downgrade freetype-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.13.2> sudo dnf versionlock add freetype

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-2026-23865?

freetype: upgrade to newer than 2.14.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-23865 being exploited?

CVE-2026-23865 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-2026-23865 affect?

CVE-2026-23865 affects freetype. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). An integer overflow in the tt_var_load_item_variation_store function of the Freetype library in versions 2.13.2 and 2.13.3 may allow for an out of bounds read operation when parsing HVAR/VVAR/MVAR tables in OpenType variable fonts. This iss

How urgent is CVE-2026-23865?

Priority 20/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2025-27363 HIGH 8.1 EXPLOITED UPGRADE MITIGATE FreeType Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability
CVE-2025-23022 MEDIUM 4.0 DOWNGRADE FreeType 2.8.1 has a signed integer overflow in cf2_doFlex in cff/cf2intrp.c.

References

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