CVE-2024-1453 in Sante DICOM Viewer Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 03/01/2024
In Sante DICOM Viewer Pro versions 14.0.3 and prior, a user must open a malicious DICOM file, which could allow a local attacker to disclose information or execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1453 affects Sante DICOM Viewer Pro versions 14.0.3 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk within medical imaging environments. This flaw represents a classic local privilege escalation vector that exploits the application's handling of DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) files, which are standard formats used in healthcare for storing and transmitting medical images and related data. The vulnerability specifically targets the viewer's file parsing mechanism, creating a dangerous attack surface where malicious actors can leverage crafted DICOM files to compromise system integrity.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a buffer over-read condition within the DICOM file processing component of the application. When a user opens a maliciously crafted DICOM file, the viewer's parser fails to properly validate the file structure, leading to memory access violations that can be leveraged to disclose sensitive information from the application's memory space or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running process. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and potentially CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that could result from the same parsing flaws. The attack requires only local user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where medical staff may inadvertently open compromised files or where attackers have physical access to systems running the vulnerable software.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-1453 extends beyond simple code execution, as it creates potential for data exfiltration within healthcare environments where DICOM files often contain sensitive patient information. In healthcare settings, this vulnerability could enable attackers to access patient medical records, diagnostic images, and other protected health information, potentially violating HIPAA regulations and exposing organizations to significant legal and financial consequences. The attack vector's reliance on user interaction through file opening means that social engineering campaigns could be particularly effective, as medical professionals might open files from trusted sources without proper security validation. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could allow for arbitrary code execution that might subsequently be used to establish persistence or escalate privileges within the healthcare network.
Organizations using Sante DICOM Viewer Pro should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor updates, as the vulnerability exists in versions 14.0.3 and earlier. Security teams should implement network segmentation to limit access to systems running the vulnerable viewer, particularly in areas where DICOM files are processed. Additionally, user education regarding file handling practices and the importance of verifying file sources should be emphasized, as the attack requires user interaction to succeed. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in medical imaging software, where the complexity of DICOM file structures increases the potential attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing automated file scanning solutions that can identify and quarantine suspicious DICOM files before they can be opened by vulnerable applications, thereby providing an additional layer of defense against this and similar exploitation techniques.