CVE-2026-23868: Giflib contains a double-free vulnerability that is the result of a shallow copy in GifMakeSavedImage and inco

Routine

MEDIUM 5.1UPGRADE

CVE-2026-23868 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.1) affecting giflib. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Giflib contains a double-free vulnerability that is the result of a shallow copy in GifMakeSavedImage and incorrect error handling. The conditions needed to trigger this vulnerability are difficult but may be possible.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.1 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 96%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-415, CWE-825
Published	2026-03-10
Last modified	2026-07-15

Publisher (CNA): Facebook, Inc. · Vendor: giflib project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-03-10 20:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-15 02:18 UTCUpdated Record last modified

giflib project giflib UPGRADE

Affected: >= 5.0.0 and <= 6.1.1

Fixed in: newer than 6.1.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 6.1.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade giflib

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 5.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison giflib sudo apt install giflib=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold giflib

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

dnf --showduplicates list giflib sudo dnf downgrade giflib-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0.0> 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-2026-23868?

giflib: upgrade to newer than 6.1.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-23868 being exploited?

CVE-2026-23868 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-2026-23868 affect?

CVE-2026-23868 affects giflib. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.1). Giflib contains a double-free vulnerability that is the result of a shallow copy in GifMakeSavedImage and incorrect error handling. The conditions needed to trigger this vulnerability are difficult but may be possible.

How urgent is CVE-2026-23868?

Priority 19/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-48161 HIGH 7.1 DOWNGRADE Buffer Overflow vulnerability in GifLib Project GifLib v.5.2.1 allows a local attacker to obtain sensitive inf
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-2024-45993 MEDIUM 6.5 DOWNGRADE Giflib Project v5.2.2 is vulnerable to a heap buffer overflow via gif2rgb.

References

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