Vulnerability Description
LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network Graphics) raster image files. Prior to 1.6.55, an out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists in the png_set_quantize() API function. When the function is called with no histogram and the number of colors in the palette is more than twice the maximum supported by the user's display, certain palettes will cause the function to enter into an infinite loop that reads past the end of an internal heap-allocated buffer. The images that trigger this vulnerability are valid per the PNG specification. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.6.55.
CVSS Score
HIGH
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Libpng | Libpng | < 1.6.55 |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/commit/01d03b8453eb30ade759cd45c707e5a1c7277dPatch
- https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/security/advisories/GHSA-g8hp-mq4h-rqm3ExploitVendor Advisory
- http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/02/09/7Mailing List
- https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/security/advisories/GHSA-g8hp-mq4h-rqm3ExploitVendor Advisory
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-25646?
CVE-2026-25646 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.1 (HIGH). LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network Graphics) raster image files. Prior to 1.6.55, an out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists ...
How severe is CVE-2026-25646?
CVE-2026-25646 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 8.1/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-25646?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Libpng Libpng.