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CVE-2026-125233: FFmpeg Security Vulnerability

CVE-2026-125233 explained: high Security Vulnerability in FFmpeg. CVSS 8.5. Affected versions, detection, fixes and CTEM priority.

Last updated: Nov 9, 2026

CVSS
8.5 HIGH
EPSS
n/a
CISA KEV
Not listed
CWE
CWE-131

Sources: National Vulnerability Database, CVE.org, CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS

CVE-2026-125233 Overview

FFmpeg through 9.0.2 contains a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in dvbsub_encode() in libavcodec/dvbsubenc.c that undercounts each CLUT segment header by two bytes. Attackers can supply a file with many bitmap subtitle rectangles that, when transcoded to the dvbsub encoder, writes past the output buffer and corrupts heap memory.

Critical Impact

Local or adjacent, unauthenticated attackers who persuade a user to act can exploit this Security Vulnerability in FFmpeg. The CVSS base score is 8.5 (High).

Affected Products

  • FFmpeg: see the vendor advisory for the exact affected versions

Discovery Timeline

  • 2026-11-09: CVE-2026-125233 published to the National Vulnerability Database by disclosure@vulncheck.com
  • 2026-11-09: last updated in the NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-125233

Vulnerability Analysis

CVE-2026-125233 is a Security Vulnerability weakness (CWE-131) in FFmpeg. Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw needs local or adjacent access, needs no login, and relies on a user taking an action.

With a CVSS base score of 8.5, apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.

Root Cause

The vendor description states: FFmpeg through 9.0.2 contains a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in dvbsub_encode() in libavcodec/dvbsubenc.c that undercounts each CLUT segment header by two bytes. Attackers can supply a file with many bitmap subtitle rectangles that, when transcoded to the dvbsub encoder, writes past the output buffer and corrupts heap memory.

Attack Vector

Based on the CVSS vector, the flaw needs local or adjacent access, needs no login, and relies on a user taking an action. Attack complexity is low complexity.

No exploitation in the wild is confirmed by CISA at the time of the last update. Check the references below for any vendor or researcher proof of concept.

CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-125233

Detection Strategies

  • Inventory every instance of FFmpeg and compare the running version with the affected range above.
  • Check external attack surface scans for internet facing instances of the component.
  • Run an authenticated vulnerability scan once your scanner ships a check for this CVE.

Monitoring Recommendations

  • Forward FFmpeg application, access and audit logs to your SIEM for retrospective hunting.
  • Alert on new processes, configuration changes or outbound connections from the affected service.
  • Track the vendor advisory and the CISA KEV catalog for changes in exploitation status.

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-125233

Immediate Actions Required

  • Apply the fixed version of FFmpeg named in the vendor advisory.
  • Prioritize internet facing and business critical instances first.
  • Rescan after the change to confirm the exposure is closed.

Patch Information

Use the fixed version listed in the vendor advisory for FFmpeg.

Workarounds

  • If patching must wait, restrict network access to the affected service and place it behind authentication or a web application firewall rule.

CWE References

Technical References

This entry is built directly from NVD, CISA KEV and EPSS data. Verify fixed versions in the vendor advisory before you deploy.

Frequently asked questions

CVE-2026-125233 is a high severity Security Vulnerability in FFmpeg with a CVSS score of 8.5. Apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.

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