Heap Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in LIBPNG Affects Multiple Versions

CVE-2025-65018

What is CVE-2025-65018?

CVE-2025-65018 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability found in the LIBPNG library, a widely used reference library for handling PNG (Portable Network Graphics) image files. Specifically, the affected versions range from 1.6.0 up to, but not including, 1.6.51. The vulnerability occurs during the execution of the simplified API function png_image_finish_read when processing 16-bit interlaced PNG files that are intended for 8-bit output formats. This flaw allows attackers to craft malicious interlaced PNG files that can write beyond the allocated memory buffer, potentially leading to unpredictable behavior in applications that rely on LIBPNG. Organizations utilizing this library may be at risk of severe consequences if they are operating on vulnerable versions, since successful exploitation could lead to application crashes or unauthorized access.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-65018

1. Memory Corruption: The vulnerability allows for heap writes beyond allocated buffer bounds, leading to potential memory corruption. This can cause applications to behave unpredictably, potentially crashing or exposing sensitive data.

2. Denial of Service (DoS): By exploiting the heap buffer overflow, an attacker could trigger denial of service conditions. This can severely impact the availability of applications that rely on image processing, causing resource exhaustion and downtime.

3. Security Breaches: If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could enable attackers to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges within an application context. This raises significant concerns for data integrity and confidentiality, as sensitive information could be compromised.

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