CVE-2019-5064 — opencv-python
HIGHCVE-2019-5064 is a high-severity (CVSS 8.8) CWE-120 vulnerability in opencv-python. 1 public exploit or proof-of-concept reference is indexed, so weaponization risk is real. A fix is available for opencv-python — see the affected versions and patch details below.
Out-of-bounds Write in OpenCV
EPSS Exploitation Probability
Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days, from FIRST.org EPSS.
How urgent is this, really
Where this sits among everything scored
Real-World Exposure
opencv-python🐍opencv-python-headless🐍opencv-contrib-python🐍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 exploitable heap buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the data structure persistence functionality of OpenCV, version 4.1.0 (corresponds with OpenCV-Python version 4.1.2.30). A specially crafted JSON file can cause a buffer overflow, resulting in multiple heap corruptions and potentially code execution. An attacker can provide a specially crafted file to trigger this vulnerability.
Affected Packages
| Ecosystem | Package | Vulnerable range | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🐍PyPI | opencv-python | all versions | 4.2.0.32pip install --upgrade 'opencv-python==4.2.0.32' |
| 🐍PyPI | opencv-python-headless | all versions | 4.2.0.32pip install --upgrade 'opencv-python-headless==4.2.0.32' |
| 🐍PyPI | opencv-contrib-python | all versions | 4.2.0.32pip install --upgrade 'opencv-contrib-python==4.2.0.32' |
| 🐍PyPI | opencv-contrib-python-headless | all versions | 4.2.0.32pip install --upgrade 'opencv-contrib-python-headless==4.2.0.32' |
Affected Products
opencvopencvapplication testing suiteoraclebig data spatial and graphoracleenterprise manager base platformoracleResearch 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 4.2.0.32 or later, then make sure no transitive (indirect) dependency still pins the vulnerable range — O3 confirms CVE-2019-5064 is resolved across your whole dependency graph.
Workarounds
Stop feeding it untrusted input: reject or quarantine files and payloads from unverified sources until you can upgrade, restrict accepted formats to the ones you actually need, and run the parsing or decoding step in a least-privileged sandbox or short-lived worker so a crash or corrupted read cannot reach the rest of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2019-5064 in your dependencies?
Find it across PyPI, including transitive dependencies.