CVE-2026-59198: Pillow is a Python imaging library

This week

MEDIUM 6.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-59198 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting pillow. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Pillow is a Python imaging library. From 5.2.0 until 12.3.0, Pillow's TGA RLE encoder reads past its packed row buffer when saving a mode 1 image with TGA RLE compression, allowing adjacent process heap bytes to be copied into the generated TGA file. This issue is fixed in version 12.3.0.

Why this priority

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

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 77%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-125
Published	2026-07-14
Last modified	2026-10-24

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

Last updated 2026-10-24 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-07-14 16:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-24 21:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

python pillow UPGRADE

Affected: >= 5.2.0 and < 12.3.0

Fixed in: 12.3.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.2.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 12.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade pillow

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 5.2.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison pillow sudo apt install pillow=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.2.0> sudo apt-mark hold pillow

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

dnf --showduplicates list pillow sudo dnf downgrade pillow-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.2.0> sudo dnf versionlock add pillow

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-2026-59198?

pillow: upgrade to 12.3.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-59198 being exploited?

CVE-2026-59198 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-2026-59198 affect?

CVE-2026-59198 affects pillow. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). Pillow is a Python imaging library. From 5.2.0 until 12.3.0, Pillow's TGA RLE encoder reads past its packed row buffer when saving a mode 1 image with TGA RLE compression, allowing adjacent process heap bytes to be copied into the generated

How urgent is CVE-2026-59198?

Priority 39/100. Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-54058 CRITICAL 9.1 UPGRADE Pillow is a Python imaging library
CVE-2026-59197 HIGH 8.2 UPGRADE Pillow is a Python imaging library
CVE-2026-59199 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Pillow is a Python imaging library
CVE-2026-59204 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Pillow is a Python imaging library
CVE-2026-59205 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Pillow is a Python imaging library

References

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