HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2004-0597
CRITICALPOC

CVE-2004-0597

NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: November 23, 2004· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

10.0
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Multiple buffer overflows in libpng 1.2.5 and earlier, as used in multiple products, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via malformed PNG images in which (1) the png_handle_tRNS function does not properly validate the length of transparency chunk (tRNS) data, or the (2) png_handle_sBIT or (3) png_handle_hIST functions do not perform sufficient bounds checking.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2004-0597 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2004-0597. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityC
IntegrityC
AvailabilityC
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

Affected Vendors & Products

greg_roelofs1 product(s)
libpng
Microsoft5 product(s)
msn messengerwindows media playerwindows messengerwindows 98sewindows me
Source: NVD CPE · 7 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

POC AVAILABLEProof-of-concept code exists
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

Official Patches & Advisories

All References (84)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2004-0597
CVSS Score10.0 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
CISA KEVNo
ExploitPOC
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedNov 23, 2004

Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2004-0597 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.