Heap buffer overflow in Exiv2::Jp2Image::doWriteMetadata
Published Apr 19, 2021 · Updated Nov 3, 2026
Original summary
Normalized public record · Updated Nov 3, 2026
Heap buffer overflow in Exiv2::Jp2Image::doWriteMetadata
Publisher and source text is retained separately from QFinch interpretation.
QFinch assessment
Exiv2 is a command-line utility and C++ library for reading, writing, deleting, and modifying the metadata of image files. A heap buffer overflow was found in Exiv2 versions v0.27.3 and earlier. The heap overflow is triggered when Exiv2 is used to write metadata into a crafted image file. An attacker could potentially exploit the vulnerability to gain code execution, if they can trick the victim into running Exiv2 on a crafted image file. Note that this bug is only triggered when _writing_ the metadata, which is a less frequently used Exiv2 operation than _reading_ the metadata. For example, to trigger the bug in the Exiv2 command-line application, you need to add an extra command-line argument such as `insert`. The bug is fixed in version v0.27.4.
Evidence: public source recordsAffected products
| Affected package, product or range | Fix status |
|---|---|
| Consult the referenced vendor advisory for affected versions. | Consult source advisory |
Matching a version is only one part of assessing exposure. QFinch has not assessed your environment on this public page.
Remediation
Apply the vendor-supported fixed release or mitigation, then verify the affected component is no longer reachable.
- Confirm the affected product and reachable code path exist in your environment.
- Apply the vendor-supported patch or mitigation from the primary advisory.
- Rescan the exact deployed revision and retain verification evidence.
Evidence coverage
- SSVC priority
- MEDIUM
- Confidence
- Not available
- Aliases
- None reported
Scores appear only when corresponding evidence exists. Missing data is never interpreted as zero risk.
Sources and record history
- GitHub advisory ↗
- Security advisory ↗
- Source repository ↗
- FEDORA-2021-10d7331a31 ↗
- FEDORA-2021-be94728b95 ↗
- DSA-4958 ↗
- [debian-lts-announce] 20210830 [SECURITY] [DLA 2750-1] exiv2 security update ↗
- GLSA-202312-06 ↗
Record history
Published Apr 19, 2021 · Last refreshed Nov 3, 2026