GNU libpng up to 1.2.7 PNG Image png_set_strip_alpha memory corruption

| CVSS Meta Temp Score | Current Exploit Price (≈) | CTI Interest Score |
|---|---|---|
| 6.4 | $0-$5k | 0.00 |
Summary
A vulnerability was found in GNU libpng up to 1.2.7 and classified as critical. The impacted element is the function png_set_strip_alpha of the component PNG Image Handler. Executing a manipulation can lead to memory corruption.
This vulnerability is registered as CVE-2006-0481. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. No exploit is available.
It is suggested to upgrade the affected component.
Details
A vulnerability has been found in GNU libpng up to 1.2.7 (Image Processing Software) and classified as critical. This vulnerability affects the function png_set_strip_alpha of the component PNG Image Handler. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a memory corruption vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-119. The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it can read from or write to a memory location that is outside of the intended boundary of the buffer. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:
Heap-based buffer overflow in the alpha strip capability in libpng 1.2.7 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) when the png_do_strip_filler function is used to strip alpha channels out of the image.
The bug was discovered 02/01/2006. The weakness was published 02/01/2006 with libpng Team as Bug 179455 as confirmed bug report (Bugzilla). The advisory is shared for download at bugzilla.redhat.com. This vulnerability was named CVE-2006-0481 since 01/31/2006. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is required for a successful exploitation. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available.
It is declared as proof-of-concept. The vulnerability scanner Nessus provides a plugin with the ID 20899 (RHEL 4 : libpng (RHSA-2006:0205)), which helps to determine the existence of the flaw in a target environment. It is assigned to the family Red Hat Local Security Checks and running in the context l. The commercial vulnerability scanner Qualys is able to test this issue with plugin 117755 (CentOS Security Update for libpng (CESA-2006:0205)).
Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability. Applying a patch is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at libpng.org. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version. A possible mitigation has been published 2 weeks after the disclosure of the vulnerability.
The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at X-Force (24396), Tenable (20899), SecurityFocus (BID 16626†), OSVDB (22850†) and Secunia (SA18863†). Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Product
Type
Vendor
Name
Version
License
Website
- Vendor: https://www.gnu.org/
CPE 2.3
CPE 2.2
CVSSv4
VulDB Vector: 🔍VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv3
VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.3VulDB Meta Temp Score: 6.4
VulDB Base Score: 7.3
VulDB Temp Score: 6.4
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv2
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
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Exploiting
Class: Memory corruptionCWE: CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍
Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes
Availability: 🔍
Status: Proof-of-Concept
EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍
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Nessus ID: 20899
Nessus Name: RHEL 4 : libpng (RHSA-2006:0205)
Nessus File: 🔍
Nessus Risk: 🔍
Nessus Family: 🔍
Nessus Context: 🔍
Nessus Port: 🔍
OpenVAS ID: 62964
OpenVAS Name: Gentoo Security Advisory GLSA 200812-15 (povray)
OpenVAS File: 🔍
OpenVAS Family: 🔍
Qualys ID: 🔍
Qualys Name: 🔍
Threat Intelligence
Interest: 🔍Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍
Countermeasures
Recommended: UpgradeStatus: 🔍
Reaction Time: 🔍
Exposure Time: 🔍
Patch: libpng.org
Timeline
01/31/2006 🔍01/31/2006 🔍
01/31/2006 🔍
02/01/2006 🔍
02/01/2006 🔍
02/01/2006 🔍
02/06/2006 🔍
02/13/2006 🔍
02/13/2006 🔍
02/13/2006 🔍
02/14/2006 🔍
02/14/2006 🔍
02/21/2006 🔍
06/23/2025 🔍
Sources
Vendor: gnu.orgAdvisory: Bug 179455
Researcher: http://www.libpng.org
Organization: libpng Team
Status: Confirmed
Confirmation: 🔍
CVE: CVE-2006-0481 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2006-0481
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-2020
OVAL: 🔍
X-Force: 24396 - libpng png_set_strip_alpha() buffer overflow, Low Risk
SecurityFocus: 16626 - Libpng Graphics Library PNG_Set_Strip_Alpha Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
Secunia: 18863 - Red Hat update for libpng, Moderately Critical
OSVDB: 22850 - libpng PNG Processing png_set_strip_alpha() Function Overflow
SecurityTracker: 1015617
Vulnerability Center: 10408 - Libpng 1.2.7 Heap-based Buffer Overflow via a Corrupted Image, Medium
Vupen: ADV-2006-0393
Entry
Created: 02/06/2006 10:41Updated: 06/23/2025 02:06
Changes: 02/06/2006 10:41 (100), 09/05/2019 13:33 (3), 06/23/2025 02:06 (18)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216:68B:103
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
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