CVE-2025-66293: Libpng out-of-bounds read (CVSS 7.1)

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.

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorNetwork

Attack complexityLow

Privileges requiredNone

User interactionRequired

ScopeUnchanged

ConfidentialityLow

IntegrityNone

AvailabilityHigh

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:H

Affected products

Libpng< 1.6.52

Remediation

Fixed in

Libpng≥ 1.6.52

Patch & vendor advisories

References

https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/commit/788a624d7387a758ffd5c7ab010f1870dea753a1Patch
https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/commit/a05a48b756de63e3234ea6b3b938b8f5f862484aPatch
https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/issues/764ExploitIssue TrackingPatch
https://github.com/pnggroup/libpng/security/advisories/GHSA-9mpm-9pxh-mg4fExploitVendor Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/12/03/6Mailing List
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/12/03/7Mailing List
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2025/12/03/8Mailing List

Related CVEs

Recent high-severity vulnerabilities sharing a weakness type.

Frequently asked

Is CVE-2025-66293 being actively exploited?

CVE-2025-66293 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. A public exploit reference exists, so treat it as exploitable. Its EPSS exploit probability is 0.35%.

How severe is CVE-2025-66293?

CVE-2025-66293 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1, rated high. EPSS estimates a 0.35% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2025-66293?

Affected products include Libpng.

How do I fix CVE-2025-66293?

Upgrade affected software to a fixed version, for example Libpng 1.6.52 or later, then confirm no affected versions remain in your inventory.

How Secuno handles this

Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-66293 against the real software inventory on every managed device, every day. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.

See how prioritisation works Book a demo