CVE-2026-33416: LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network Graphics) raster image files. In version...

Description

LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network Graphics) raster image files. In versions 1.2.1 through 1.6.55, `png_set_tRNS` and `png_set_PLTE` each alias a heap-allocated buffer between `png_struct` and `png_info`, sharing a single allocation across two structs with independent lifetimes. The `trans_alpha` aliasing has been present since at least libpng 1.0, and the `palette` aliasing since at least 1.2.1. Both affect all prior release lines `png_set_tRNS` sets `png_ptr->trans_alpha = info_ptr->trans_alpha` (256-byte buffer) and `png_set_PLTE` sets `info_ptr->palette = png_ptr->palette` (768-byte buffer). In both cases, calling `png_free_data` (with `PNG_FREE_TRNS` or `PNG_FREE_PLTE`) frees the buffer through `info_ptr` while the corresponding `png_ptr` pointer remains dangling. Subsequent row-transform functions dereference and, in some code paths, write to the freed memory. A second call to `png_set_tRNS` or `png_set_PLTE` has the same effect, because both functions call `png_free_data` internally before reallocating the `info_ptr` buffer. Version 1.6.56 fixes the issue.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.5/10

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

EPSS Probability

1.05%

60.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-416

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Libpng	Libpng	>= 1.2.1, < 1.6.56

References

Timeline

Published: Mar 26, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-33416?

LIBPNG is a reference library for use in applications that read, create, and manipulate PNG (Portable Network Graphics) raster image files. In versions 1.2.1 through 1.6.55, `png_set_tRNS` and `png_set_PLTE` each alias a heap-allocated buffer between `png_struct` and `png_info`, sharing a single allocation across two structs with independent lifetimes. The `trans_alpha` aliasing has been present since at least libpng 1.0, and the `palette` aliasing since at least 1.2.1. Both affect all prior release lines `png_set_tRNS` sets `png_ptr->trans_alpha = info_ptr->trans_alpha` (256-byte buffer) and `png_set_PLTE` sets `info_ptr->palette = png_ptr->palette` (768-byte buffer). In both cases, calling `png_free_data` (with `PNG_FREE_TRNS` or `PNG_FREE_PLTE`) frees the buffer through `info_ptr` while the corresponding `png_ptr` pointer remains dangling. Subsequent row-transform functions dereference and, in some code paths, write to the freed memory. A second call to `png_set_tRNS` or `png_set_PLTE` has the same effect, because both functions call `png_free_data` internally before reallocating the `info_ptr` buffer. Version 1.6.56 fixes the issue.

How severe is CVE-2026-33416?

CVE-2026-33416 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.05% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-33416?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.