Critical Code Execution Vulnerability in SDL2_image Package

sdl2_image Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

24/04/2018
N/A
Yes i
High
8.8

ALPINE-CVE-2017-14448: An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the XCF image rendering functionality of SDL2_image-2.0.2. Affects sdl2_image versions < 2.0.3-r0. Fixed in 2.0.3-r0. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored Lume, the Habilume companion Habilume Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent. App Store Google Play

Background

SDL2_image is an image loading library that extends the capabilities of the Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL) by providing support for various image formats. It is widely used in game development and multimedia applications to load images in different formats seamlessly. However, a critical vulnerability has been identified in versions of SDL2_image prior to 2.0.3-r0, which can lead to severe security risks if exploited.

Vulnerability Detail

An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the XCF image rendering functionality of SDL2_image versions prior to 2.0.3-r0. A specially crafted XCF image can cause a heap overflow, resulting in arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability can be triggered when an attacker displays a maliciously crafted image, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data corruption, or system compromise. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.8, indicating a high severity level.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2.0.3-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade sdl2_image

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Workaround

If immediate patching is not feasible, consider avoiding the use of XCF images or implementing strict validation checks on image files before processing them. This can help mitigate the risk of exploitation until the package is updated.

Conclusion

The SDL2_image package has a critical vulnerability that can lead to code execution through specially crafted XCF images. It is crucial to update to the patched versions to safeguard against potential exploitation. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor for such vulnerabilities in real-time.

See every vulnerability recorded for sdl2_image →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

The vulnerability can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to compromise systems by displaying malicious images.

You can use the Vulert platform to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software. Visit Vulert Scanner to check your application without any signup.

Versions prior to 2.0.3-r0 for Alpine v3.10 and prior to 2.0.1-r2 for Alpine v3.5 and v3.6 are affected by this vulnerability.

The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 8.8, indicating a high severity level.

Yes, you can avoid using XCF images or implement strict validation checks on image files to mitigate the risk until an update is applied.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for sdl2_image.

Sponsored Lume, the Habilume companion Habilume Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent. App Store Google Play

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

2.0.3-r0

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apk add --upgrade sdl2_image

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback