CVE-2026-25646
LIBPNG has a heap buffer overflow in png_set_quantize
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.
INFO
Published Date :
Feb. 10, 2026, 6:16 p.m.
Last Modified :
Feb. 13, 2026, 8:43 p.m.
Remotely Exploit :
Yes !
Source :
[email protected]
CVSS Scores
| Score | Version | Severity | Vector | Exploitability Score | Impact Score | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | HIGH | [email protected] | ||||
| CVSS 4.0 | HIGH | [email protected] |
Solution
- Update Libpng to version 1.6.55 or later.
- Apply patches or security updates from the vendor.
Public PoC/Exploit Available at Github
CVE-2026-25646 has a 2 public
PoC/Exploit available at Github.
Go to the Public Exploits tab to see the list.
References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
Here, you will find a curated list of external links that provide in-depth
information, practical solutions, and valuable tools related to
CVE-2026-25646.
| URL | Resource |
|---|---|
| https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/commit/01d03b8453eb30ade759cd45c707e5a1c7277d88 | Patch |
| https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/security/advisories/GHSA-g8hp-mq4h-rqm3 | Exploit Vendor Advisory |
| http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/02/09/7 | Mailing List |
| https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/security/advisories/GHSA-g8hp-mq4h-rqm3 | Exploit Vendor Advisory |
CWE - Common Weakness Enumeration
While CVE identifies
specific instances of vulnerabilities, CWE categorizes the common flaws or
weaknesses that can lead to vulnerabilities. CVE-2026-25646 is
associated with the following CWEs:
Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)
Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification
(CAPEC)
stores attack patterns, which are descriptions of the common attributes and
approaches employed by adversaries to exploit the CVE-2026-25646
weaknesses.
We scan GitHub repositories to detect new proof-of-concept exploits. Following list is a collection of public exploits and proof-of-concepts, which have been published on GitHub (sorted by the most recently updated).
None
HTML Dockerfile
DSA and DLA for Debian last 14 days
Python
Results are limited to the first 15 repositories due to potential performance issues.
The following list is the news that have been mention
CVE-2026-25646 vulnerability anywhere in the article.
-
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The following table lists the changes that have been made to the
CVE-2026-25646 vulnerability over time.
Vulnerability history details can be useful for understanding the evolution of a vulnerability, and for identifying the most recent changes that may impact the vulnerability's severity, exploitability, or other characteristics.
-
Initial Analysis by [email protected]
Feb. 13, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added CVSS V3.1 AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H Added CPE Configuration OR *cpe:2.3:a:libpng:libpng:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:* versions up to (excluding) 1.6.55 Added Reference Type GitHub, Inc.: https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/commit/01d03b8453eb30ade759cd45c707e5a1c7277d88 Types: Patch Added Reference Type GitHub, Inc.: https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/security/advisories/GHSA-g8hp-mq4h-rqm3 Types: Exploit, Vendor Advisory Added Reference Type CISA-ADP: https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/security/advisories/GHSA-g8hp-mq4h-rqm3 Types: Exploit, Vendor Advisory Added Reference Type CVE: http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/02/09/7 Types: Mailing List -
CVE Modified by 134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0
Feb. 11, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added Reference https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/security/advisories/GHSA-g8hp-mq4h-rqm3 -
New CVE Received by [email protected]
Feb. 10, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added 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. Added CVSS V4.0 AV:N/AC:H/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:L/VI:L/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X Added CWE CWE-122 Added CWE CWE-126 Added Reference https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/commit/01d03b8453eb30ade759cd45c707e5a1c7277d88 Added Reference https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/security/advisories/GHSA-g8hp-mq4h-rqm3 -
CVE Modified by af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Feb. 10, 2026
Action Type Old Value New Value Added Reference http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/02/09/7