CVE-2025-66293 LIBPNG has an out-of-bounds read in png_image_read_composite
An out-of-bounds read in libpng allows attackers to read memory beyond buffer limits when processing valid PNG images with transparency and gamma correction.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2025-66293?
CVE-2025-66293 is a high-severity vulnerability in Libpng Libpng, published on 3 Dec 2025. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network Graphics) raster image files. Prior to 1.6.52, an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in libpng's simplified API allows reading up to 1012 bytes beyond the png_sRGB_base[512] array when processing valid palette PNG images with partial transparency and gamma correction. The PNG files that trigger this vulnerability are valid per the PNG specification; the bug is in libpng's internal state management. Upgrade to libpng 1.6.52 or later.
Weakness: CWE-125
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-66293?
It affects 1 product.
Linux distribution packages (3)
libpng16 SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server 12 SP5-LTSS | All versions | 1.6.8-15.12.1 |
libpng16 SUSE:Linux Enterprise Server LTSS Extended Security 12 SP5 | All versions | 1.6.8-15.12.1 |
libpng16 openSUSE:Tumbleweed | All versions | 1.6.52-1.1 |
Products include Libpng Libpng.
How do I fix CVE-2025-66293?
Upgrade to a fixed version.
Is CVE-2025-66293 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2025-66293 exists.
Other vulnerabilities in Libpng Libpng
- CVE-2017-12652 Denial of service in n/a
- CVE-2018-14550 Out-of-bounds write in libpng
- CVE-2026-25646 LIBPNG has a heap buffer overflow in png_set_quantize
- CVE-2026-33636 LIBPNG has ARM NEON Palette Expansion Out-of-Bounds Read on AArch64
- CVE-2026-33416 LIBPNG has use-after-free via pointer aliasing in `png_set_tRNS` and `png_set_PLTE`
Sources
Also known as ALPINE-CVE-2025-66293, AZL-71246, AZL-71455, AZL-71458, AZL-71461, AZL-71464 and 26 more.