CVE-2023-46602 in DemoIccMAX
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
In International Color Consortium DemoIccMAX 79ecb74, there is a stack-based buffer overflow in the icFixXml function in IccXML/IccLibXML/IccUtilXml.cpp in libIccXML.a.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-46602 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the International Color Consortium DemoIccMAX software suite, specifically affecting version 79ecb74. This issue resides in the icFixXml function located within the IccXML/IccLibXML/IccUtilXml.cpp file of the libIccXML.a library component. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and bounds checking during XML processing operations, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption weaknesses in color management systems.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs when the icFixXml function processes malformed or specially crafted XML input data without proper boundary checks. When the function attempts to write data to a stack-allocated buffer that is insufficiently sized to accommodate the incoming XML content, it results in memory overwrite conditions that can corrupt adjacent stack memory locations. This flaw falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code through compromised applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can potentially enable remote code execution when the affected software processes untrusted XML data from network sources or user-provided files. Color management systems that rely on ICC profiles for accurate color reproduction are particularly at risk since these systems often process XML-based color profile data from various sources including web applications, design software, and print management systems. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious XML files that, when processed by DemoIccMAX, trigger the buffer overflow condition and potentially allow for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-46602 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected DemoIccMAX software to version containing the fixed icFixXml function with proper input validation and buffer size checks. Organizations should implement defensive programming practices including bounds checking, input sanitization, and stack canary implementations to reduce the attack surface. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting access to vulnerable systems. Additionally, regular security assessments of color management workflows and XML processing components should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in related software libraries. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in multimedia and color management applications, particularly when handling external data inputs through XML parsing functions that are commonly targeted in exploitation campaigns.