CVE-2025-3483 in PACS Server
Summary
by MITRE • 05/22/2025
MedDream PACS Server DICOM File Parsing Stack-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of MedDream PACS Server. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the parsing of DICOM files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length stack-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the service account. Was ZDI-CAN-25825.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2025
The CVE-2025-3483 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in the MedDream PACS Server software that specifically targets the DICOM file parsing functionality. This vulnerability resides within the server's handling of medical imaging data files that follow the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard, which is the universal format for storing and transmitting medical images and related information. The flaw manifests when the system processes malformed DICOM files without adequate input validation, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled data can overflow predetermined memory buffers. This particular vulnerability is classified under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of user-supplied DICOM data during the parsing process. When the MedDream PACS Server receives and processes a specially crafted DICOM file, the application fails to validate the length of incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This lack of input sanitization creates a predictable overflow condition where malicious data can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack memory locations. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require authentication credentials to trigger the condition, making it particularly dangerous for healthcare environments where PACS servers are often exposed to untrusted networks. The attack vector leverages the standard DICOM file transmission protocols, allowing adversaries to send malicious files through normal network channels without requiring direct access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as the compromised server operates with the privileges of the service account under which the MedDream PACS Server runs. This privilege escalation potential can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of critical medical imaging services. Healthcare organizations face significant risks including patient data breaches, medical record tampering, and potential denial of service attacks that could impact patient care delivery. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that PACS servers typically store sensitive patient information and are often integrated with other critical healthcare systems, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to access comprehensive medical databases. The attack can result in unauthorized access to protected health information, violating HIPAA regulations and potentially exposing patients to identity theft and medical fraud.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor patches as soon as they become available, implementing network segmentation to isolate PACS servers from untrusted networks, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious DICOM file transfers. Additional protective measures involve configuring the server to validate all incoming DICOM files against strict schema standards, implementing network access controls to restrict file upload capabilities, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unusual file processing patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in medical device software, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential harvesting through network attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that verify all incoming data regardless of source, as well as regular security assessments of medical imaging systems to identify similar vulnerabilities that could compromise patient safety and data integrity.