CVE-2025-65018: LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network

Routine

HIGH 7.1UPGRADE

CVE-2025-65018 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.1) affecting libpng. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network Graphics) raster image files. From version 1.6.0 to before 1.6.51, there is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the libpng simplified API function png_image_finish_read when processing 16-bit interlaced PNGs with 8-bit output format. Attacker-crafted interlaced PNG files cause heap writes beyond allocated buffer bounds. This issue has

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.1 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 80%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-122, CWE-787
Published	2025-11-25
Last modified	2026-10-18

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: libpng

Last updated 2026-10-18 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-11-25 00:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-18 20:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

libpng libpng UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.6.0 and < 1.6.51

Fixed in: 1.6.51

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.6.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 1.6.51 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade libpng

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade libpng

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.6.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison libpng sudo apt install libpng=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.6.0> sudo apt-mark hold libpng

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list libpng sudo dnf downgrade libpng-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.6.0> 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-2025-65018?

libpng: upgrade to 1.6.51. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2025-65018 being exploited?

CVE-2025-65018 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-2025-65018 affect?

CVE-2025-65018 affects libpng. Severity is high (CVSS 7.1). LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network Graphics) raster image files. From version 1.6.0 to before 1.6.51, there is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the libpng sim

How urgent is CVE-2025-65018?

Priority 35/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

libpng vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-34757 MEDIUM 5.1 UPGRADE MITIGATE LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network
CVE-2025-64720 HIGH 7.1 UPGRADE LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network
CVE-2025-64505 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network
CVE-2025-64506 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network
CVE-2025-66293 HIGH 7.1 UPGRADE LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network

References

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