CVE-2023-34295 in DICOM Viewer Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 05/03/2024
Sante DICOM Viewer Pro DCM File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Sante DICOM Viewer Pro. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.
The specific flaw exists within the parsing of DCM files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a write past the end of an allocated object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-21125.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2025
The CVE-2023-34295 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in Sante DICOM Viewer Pro's handling of DCM file parsing operations. This vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and specifically manifests as a buffer overflow condition that occurs during the processing of medical imaging files. The flaw exists within the software's file parsing engine where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted DICOM files to trigger unintended memory operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in healthcare environments where DICOM files are routinely processed and where the software may be automatically invoked during medical imaging workflows. This issue was previously tracked as ZDI-CAN-21125, indicating it was identified and reported through the Zero Day Initiative vulnerability disclosure program, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious DCM file that, when processed by the vulnerable software, causes the application to write data beyond the bounds of allocated memory buffers. This out-of-bounds write condition can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow or injecting malicious code into the running process. The vulnerability's remote code execution capability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through web-based attacks or by enticing users to open compromised files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where medical imaging systems are connected to networks. The requirement for user interaction through visiting malicious pages or opening malicious files aligns with common attack vectors in targeted exploitation campaigns, though the severity remains high due to the privileged execution context in which the software operates.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within healthcare and medical imaging environments where Sante DICOM Viewer Pro is commonly deployed. Medical institutions may experience service disruption, data integrity compromise, or unauthorized access to sensitive patient information when attackers exploit this vulnerability. The attack surface includes not only direct user interactions but also potential automated exploitation through web browsers or email clients that might automatically open DICOM files. This vulnerability's presence in medical imaging software creates additional risks because healthcare organizations often have limited security awareness training and may not immediately patch third-party applications. The out-of-bounds write condition can potentially lead to privilege escalation attacks if the software runs with elevated permissions, and could allow attackers to gain persistence within the medical imaging infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-34295 should prioritize immediate patching of the vulnerable software version, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to medical imaging systems and deploy web application firewalls to filter malicious content. Input validation controls should be enhanced at multiple levels including application-level checks and network-based filtering to prevent malformed DICOM files from reaching vulnerable systems. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file processing patterns and network traffic associated with DICOM file transfers. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-129 and CWE-787 indicates it relates to improper input validation and out-of-bounds writes, which aligns with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and script injection. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other medical imaging software and third-party applications that may be susceptible to similar memory safety issues.