CVE-2026-22255 in iccDEV
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2026
iccDEV provides a set of libraries and tools that allow for the interaction, manipulation, and application of International Color Consortium (ICC) color management profiles. Versions prior to 2.3.1.2 have a heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability in `CIccCLUT::Init()` at `IccProfLib/IccTagLut.cpp`. This vulnerability affects users of the iccDEV library who process ICC color profiles. Version 2.3.1.2 contains a patch. No known workarounds are available.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-22255 represents a critical heap-buffer-overflow condition within the iccDEV color management library ecosystem. This issue manifests specifically within the CIccCLUT::Init() function located in the IccTagLut.cpp source file, where improper memory handling allows for potential arbitrary code execution or system instability. The affected iccDEV library serves as a foundational component for processing and manipulating International Color Consortium color profiles, which are essential for accurate color representation across various digital media platforms and professional printing workflows.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient bounds checking during the initialization of color lookup tables within ICC profiles. When processing malformed or specially crafted ICC color profiles, the CIccCLUT::Init() function fails to validate input parameters properly, leading to memory corruption through heap-based buffer overflows. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though the specific implementation results in heap corruption due to the dynamic memory allocation patterns used in color profile processing. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because ICC profiles are widely used across graphic design software, digital cameras, printers, and color management systems, making the attack surface extensive.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on systems processing affected ICC profiles. This risk is exacerbated by the widespread adoption of ICC color profiles in professional environments where color accuracy is paramount, including photography, publishing, and digital printing workflows. Systems utilizing iccDEV libraries for color profile validation and processing are at risk when handling untrusted input, as malicious actors could craft specially formatted ICC profiles to trigger the buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability affects any application or system that relies on iccDEV for color management operations, including but not limited to Adobe Creative Suite, CorelDRAW, and various professional printing applications.
Organizations and developers must immediately upgrade to iccDEV version 2.3.1.2 or later to mitigate this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for the heap buffer overflow condition. The patch implemented in version 2.3.1.2 addresses the root cause by introducing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the CIccCLUT::Init() function. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across their environments to identify systems utilizing vulnerable iccDEV versions, particularly those handling untrusted color profile data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code through compromised color management processes. Additionally, the vulnerability aligns with T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it represents a client-side attack vector through color profile processing. Organizations should implement network segmentation and input validation controls to minimize exposure while awaiting full patch deployment across their infrastructure.