CVE-2019-14491 — opencv-python
HIGHCVE-2019-14491 is a high-severity (CVSS 8.2) Out-of-bounds Read vulnerability in opencv-python. 1 public exploit reference exists, so weaponization risk is real. A fix is available for opencv-python — see the affected versions and patch details below.
Out-of-bounds Read in OpenCV
EPSS Exploitation Probability
Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days, from FIRST.org EPSS.
How urgent is this, really
CVE-2019-14491 by exploitation likelihood (EPSS) against impact (CVSS). Outside the shaded patch-first corner.
Where this sits among everything scored
Of 385,386 CVEs with a current EPSS score, this one falls in the < 10% band (highlighted). Counts from FIRST.org, log-scaled.
Real-World Exposure
opencv-python🐍opencv-python🐍opencv-python-headless🐍opencv-python-headless🐍opencv-contrib-python🐍opencv-contrib-python🐍opencv-contrib-python-headless🐍opencv-contrib-python-headlessReal-time download stats are indexed for npm and PyPI packages. This vulnerability affects PyPI packages — download data is not available via public APIs for these ecosystems.
Description
An issue was discovered in OpenCV before 3.4.7 and 4.x before 4.1.1 (OpenCV-Python before 3.4.7.28 and 4.x before 4.1.1.26). There is an out of bounds read in the function cv::predictOrderedcv::HaarEvaluator in modules/objdetect/src/cascadedetect.hpp, which leads to denial of service.
Affected Packages
| Ecosystem | Package | Vulnerable range | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🐍PyPI | opencv-python | all versions | 3.4.7.28pip install --upgrade 'opencv-python==3.4.7.28' |
| 🐍PyPI | opencv-python | ≥ 4.0.0.21&&< 4.1.1.26 | 4.1.1.26pip install --upgrade 'opencv-python==4.1.1.26' |
| 🐍PyPI | opencv-python-headless | all versions | 3.4.7.28pip install --upgrade 'opencv-python-headless==3.4.7.28' |
| 🐍PyPI | opencv-python-headless | ≥ 4.0.0.21&&< 4.1.1.26 | 4.1.1.26pip install --upgrade 'opencv-python-headless==4.1.1.26' |
| 🐍PyPI | opencv-contrib-python | all versions | 3.4.7.28pip install --upgrade 'opencv-contrib-python==3.4.7.28' |
| 🐍PyPI | opencv-contrib-python | ≥ 4.0.0.21&&< 4.1.1.26 | 4.1.1.26pip install --upgrade 'opencv-contrib-python==4.1.1.26' |
Affected Products
opencvopencvResearch use only. For defensive security, authorized penetration testing, and academic research only. Never execute exploit code against systems without explicit written authorization.
Detection & mitigation playbook
Open-source dependencyDetect
Scan your dependency tree (package-lock.json, pnpm-lock.yaml, requirements.txt, go.sum, etc.) for opencv-python, including transitive dependencies — a direct dependency you never call can still pull in a vulnerable version.
Fix
Update opencv-python to 3.4.7.28 or later, then make sure no transitive (indirect) dependency still pins the vulnerable range — O3 confirms CVE-2019-14491 is resolved across your whole dependency graph.
Workarounds
Constrain what reaches the vulnerable code: limit the size and shape of untrusted input, isolate the affected component in a sandboxed or least-privileged process, and enable the platform's memory-safety mitigations (ASLR, stack protector, hardened allocator) so an out-of-bounds access is more likely to fail closed than to be exploitable.
Fixing This On Your OS
If you run this on a Linux distribution, patch through your package manager against the distro's own security advisory below — it tracks the exact backported fix for your release, which can ship on a different timeline (and sometimes a different severity) than the upstream project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2019-14491 in your dependencies?
Find it across PyPI, including transitive dependencies.