Description
Kitty is a cross-platform GPU based terminal. In versions 0.46.2 and below, the handle_compose_command() function in kitty/graphics.c performs bounds validation on composition offsets using unsigned 32-bit arithmetic that is subject to integer wrapping, potentially leading to Heap Buffer Over-Read/Write. An attacker who can write escape sequences to a kitty terminal (e.g., via a malicious file, SSH login banner, or piped content) can supply crafted x_offset/y_offset values that pass the bounds check after wrapping but cause massive out-of-bounds heap memory access in compose_rectangles(). No user interaction is required. No non-default configuration is required. The attacker only needs the ability to produce output in a kitty terminal window. This issue has been fixed in version 0.47.0.
Affected products
kovidgoyal: kitty
References3
- github.com/kovidgoyal/kitty/security/advisories/GHSA-qfgm-2c64-… ExploitMitigationVendor Advisory
- github.com/kovidgoyal/kitty/security/advisories/GHSA-qfgm-2c64-… ExploitMitigationVendor Advisory
- github.com/kovidgoyal/kitty/commit/e9661f0f3afb4e4dbffa509adfb3… Patch
Metrics
- CVSS 3.1
-
9.8
CRITICAL
Score source: NVD
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - EPSS — exploit probability
- 0% percentile: 21 · as of 14 November 2026
- CWE
- CWE-125CWE-190CWE-787
Could this be exploited in your environment?
A patch closes the known hole. A penetration test shows what an attacker can still reach — with proof.