CVE-2026-25646: LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network

Q: How do I fix CVE-2026-25646?

libpng: upgrade to 1.6.55. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2026-25646 being exploited?

CVE-2026-25646 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2026-25646 affect?

CVE-2026-25646 affects libpng. Severity is high (CVSS 8.1). 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.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2026-25646?

Priority 55/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This week

HIGH 8.1REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-25646 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.1) 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. 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 in

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.1 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.1% (top 35%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-122, CWE-126, CWE-125
Published	2026-02-10
Last modified	2026-08-11

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

Last updated 2026-08-11 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-02-10 18:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-08-11 13:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

libpng libpng UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.6.55

Fixed in: 1.6.55

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 1.6.55 (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.

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-2026-25646?

libpng: upgrade to 1.6.55. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-25646 being exploited?

CVE-2026-25646 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-2026-25646 affect?

CVE-2026-25646 affects libpng. Severity is high (CVSS 8.1). 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.

How urgent is CVE-2026-25646?

Priority 55/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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-2026-33636 HIGH 7.6 UPGRADE LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network
CVE-2026-33416 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network
CVE-2026-22801 MEDIUM 6.8 UPGRADE LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network
CVE-2026-22695 MEDIUM 6.1 UPGRADE LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network

References

← Back to latest CVEs