Description
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.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | zbar | 0.23.92-9 | — |
| Debian 13 | zbar | 0.23.92-9 | — |
| Debian 12 | zbar | 0.23.92-7+deb12u1 | DSA-5614-1 |
| Debian 11 | zbar | 0.23.90-1+deb11u1 | DSA-5614-1 |
| Debian 10 | zbar | 0.22-1+deb10u1 | DLA-3675-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 25.10 | zbar | No fix yet | — |
| Ubuntu 14.04 LTS | zbar | No fix yet | — |
Show 4 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Pro 22.04 LTS | zbar | 0.23.92-4ubuntu0.1~esm1 | USN-7118-1 |
| Ubuntu Pro 20.04 LTS | zbar | 0.23-1.3ubuntu0.1~esm1 | USN-7118-1 |
| Ubuntu Pro 18.04 LTS | zbar | 0.10+doc-10.1ubuntu0.1~esm1 | USN-7118-1 |
| Ubuntu Pro 16.04 LTS | zbar | 0.10+doc-10ubuntu1+esm1 | USN-7118-1 |
SUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES 15 SP5 | zbar | 0.23.1-150300.3.3.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:4948-1 |
Show 1 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLE Real Time 15 SP4 | zbar | 0.23.1-150300.3.3.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:4948-1 |
openSUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| openSUSE Tumbleweed | zbar | 0.23.90-5.1 | openSUSE-SU-2024:13525-1 |
| openSUSE Leap 15.5 | zbar | 0.23.1-150300.3.3.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:4948-1 |
| openSUSE Leap 15.4 | zbar | 0.23.1-150300.3.3.1 | SUSE-SU-2023:4948-1 |
Alpine
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine v3.24 | zbar | 0.23.93-r0 | — |
| Alpine v3.23 | zbar | 0.23.93-r0 | — |
| Alpine v3.22 | zbar | 0.23.93-r0 | — |
| Alpine v3.21 | zbar | 0.23.93-r0 | — |
| Alpine v3.20 | zbar | 0.23.93-r0 | — |
Show 1 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine v3.19 | zbar | 0.23.93-r0 | — |
Affected packages
| Ecosystem | Package | Affected | Fixed | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PyPI | zbar | <= 0.23.90 | — | GHSA-mhp6-jvpx-2p4m |
Advisories 5
- USN-7118-1 zbar vulnerabilities Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Jun 25, 2026
- DSA-5614-1 zbar - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- DLA-3675-1 zbar - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- openSUSE-SU-2024:13525-1 libzbar-devel-0.23.90-5.1 on GA media SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2023:4948-1 Security update for zbar SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
References
- https://hackmd.io/%40cspl/B1ZkFZv23
- [debian-lts-announce] 20231201 [SECURITY] [DLA 3675-1] zbar security update mailing-list
- FEDORA-2024-583e4098b9 vendor-advisory
- FEDORA-2024-73d5220ed3 vendor-advisory