Heap-based buffer overflow in ZBar
A heap-based buffer overflow exists in the qr_reader_match_centers function of ZBar 0.23.90. Specially crafted QR codes may lead to information disclosure and/or arbitrary code execution. To trigger this vulnerability, an attacker can digitally input the malicious QR code, or prepare it to be physically scanned by the vulnerable scanner.
Affected software
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| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Python (PyPI) | zbar | <= 0.23.90 | no fix |
References
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-40889
- https://github.com/mchehab/zbar
- https://hackmd.io/@cspl/B1ZkFZv23
- https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2023/12/msg00001.html
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/25LZZQJGGZRPLKTRNRNOTAFQJIPS7WRP
- https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/DC7V5YCLCPB36J2KY6WLZCABFLBRB665
- https://pypi.org/project/zbar
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-mhp6-jvpx-2p4m
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-122, CWE-787- Platform
- Python (PyPI)
- Package
zbar- Disclosed
- 29.08.2023
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 13:17
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-mhp6-jvpx-2p4m - CC BY 4.0
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - PYSEC-2026-576 - PyPA Advisory Database; CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: zbar
All published vulnerabilities of this package (Python (PyPI)), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
This is the only known vulnerability of this package.
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