Beware the HEIF: Libheif v1.21.0 Vulnerability Could Crash Your Apps!

Beware of the libheif v1.21.0 heap buffer overflow in Chunk::Chunk! This sneaky bug lets malicious HEIF files crash your apps or, worse, execute arbitrary code. All it takes is one rogue .heic file. Keep your media servers and messaging clients on high alert!

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Published: September 8, 2025 11:39 pmAdded: September 8, 2025 at 4:50 pmAssembled by: The Editor
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Hot Take:

If your media app suddenly decides to take a spontaneous nap after a HEIF file encounter, it might be more than just a diva moment—it’s probably a heap buffer overflow. Who knew your movie night could turn into a cybersecurity thriller?

Key Points:

  • Libheif v1.21.0 is vulnerable to heap buffer overflow via the Chunk::Chunk constructor.
  • The issue arises from parsing the Sample Size Box (stsz) without verifying the count.
  • This flaw can lead to heap corruption, arbitrary code execution, or denial of service.
  • Vulnerable applications include media servers, thumbnail generators, and messaging clients.
  • Triggering the vulnerability requires opening a malicious .heic/.heif file.

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