CVE-2026-44638
Description
A flaw was found in libsixel, a SIXEL encoder/decoder implementation. An incorrect NULL check after a memory allocation call in the sixel_decode_raw and sixel_decode functions can lead to a NULL pointer dereference. This occurs when memory allocation fails, causing the process to crash and resulting in a Denial of Service (DoS) for any caller of these application programming interfaces (APIs) under low-memory conditions.
Statement
Red Hat Product Security has determined that this vulnerability does not affect any currently supported Red Hat product. This assessment may evolve based on further analysis and discovery. For more information about this vulnerability and the products it affects, please see the linked references.
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Availability
Technical Impact: DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart
NULL pointer dereferences usually result in the failure of the process unless exception handling (on some platforms) is available and implemented. Even when exception handling is being used, it can still be very difficult to return the software to a safe state of operation.
Integrity,Confidentiality
Technical Impact: Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands; Read Memory; Modify Memory
In rare circumstances, when NULL is equivalent to the 0x0 memory address and privileged code can access it, then writing or reading memory is possible, which may lead to code execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what something means? Check out our Security Glossary.
Want to get errata notifications? Sign up here.
