CVE-2006-0481: Heap-based buffer overflow in the alpha strip capability in libpng 1.2.7 allows context-dependent attackers to

Routine

MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2006-0481 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting libpng. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Heap-based buffer overflow in the alpha strip capability in libpng 1.2.7 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) when the png_do_strip_filler function is used to strip alpha channels out of the image.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	3.1% (top 12%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2006-01-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: greg roelofs

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-01-31 18:03 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:20 UTCUpdated Record last modified

greg roelofs libpng DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.2.7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.2.7

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy libpng || rpm -q libpng || libpng --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.2.7 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison libpng sudo apt install libpng=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.7> sudo apt-mark hold libpng

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list libpng sudo dnf downgrade libpng-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.2.7> sudo dnf versionlock add libpng

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2006-0481?

libpng: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2006-0481 being exploited?

CVE-2006-0481 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2006-0481 affect?

CVE-2006-0481 affects libpng. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). Heap-based buffer overflow in the alpha strip capability in libpng 1.2.7 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) when the png_do_strip_filler function is used to strip alpha channels out of the image.

How urgent is CVE-2006-0481?

Priority 39/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

libpng vulnerabilities

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References

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