CVE-2009-0040

What it is

The PNG reference library (aka libpng) before 1.0.43, and 1.2.x before 1.2.35, as used in pngcrush and other applications, allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted PNG file that triggers a free of an uninitialized pointer in (1) the png_read_png function, (2) pCAL chunk handling, or (3) setup of 16-bit gamma tables.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

4.8% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2009-02-22 22:30 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 23:04 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 4.8% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.8 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2009-02-22 22:30 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 23:04 UTC

Exploit probability

4.8% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-824

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Libpng < 1.0.43
• Libpng < 1.2.35
• Apple Iphone Os < 3.0
• Apple Mac Os X < 10.5.8
• Opensuse 10.3
• Opensuse 11.0
• Opensuse 11.1
• Suse Linux Enterprise 9.0

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 6.8

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Partial

Integrity

Partial

Availability

Partial

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2009-0040.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2009-0040. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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