CVE-2016-5735: Integer overflow in the rwpng_read_image24_libpng function in rwpng.c in pngquant 2.7.0 allows remote attacker

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HIGH 7.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2016-5735 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting pngquant. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Integer overflow in the rwpng_read_image24_libpng function in rwpng.c in pngquant 2.7.0 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted PNG file, which triggers a buffer overflow.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	1.8% (top 22%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-190
Published	2017-05-23
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: pngquant

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2017-05-23 04:29 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:49 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pngquant pngquant DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.7.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.7.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.7.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison pngquant sudo apt install pngquant=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7.0> sudo apt-mark hold pngquant

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

dnf --showduplicates list pngquant sudo dnf downgrade pngquant-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.7.0> sudo dnf versionlock add pngquant

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-2016-5735?

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

Is CVE-2016-5735 being exploited?

CVE-2016-5735 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-2016-5735 affect?

CVE-2016-5735 affects pngquant. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Integer overflow in the rwpng_read_image24_libpng function in rwpng.c in pngquant 2.7.0 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted PNG file, which triggers a buffer overflow.

How urgent is CVE-2016-5735?

Priority 52/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

libpng vulnerabilities

References

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