CVE-2026-24404 in iccDEV
Summary
by MITRE • 01/24/2026
iccDEV provides libraries and tools for interacting with, manipulating, and applying ICC color management profiles. In versions 2.3.1.1 and below, CIccXmlArrayType() contains a Null Pointer Dereference and Undefined Behavior vulnerability. This occurs when user-controllable input is unsafely incorporated into ICC profile data or other structured binary blobs. Successful exploitation may allow an attacker to perform DoS, manipulate data, bypass application logic and Code Execution. This issue has been fixed in version 2.3.1.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-24404 affects the iccDEV library ecosystem which provides essential tools for ICC color management profile handling across various digital imaging applications. This library serves as a critical component in color management systems where accurate profile handling is paramount for consistent color reproduction across different devices and media. The affected version 2.3.1.1 and below contain a fundamental flaw in the CIccXmlArrayType() function that creates dangerous conditions when processing user-supplied data. The vulnerability manifests as a null pointer dereference combined with undefined behavior, representing a severe security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors to compromise system integrity.
The technical flaw exists within the CIccXmlArrayType() function where user-controllable input is processed without adequate validation or sanitization before being incorporated into ICC profile data structures. This unsafe handling of external data creates a pathway for attackers to craft malicious input that triggers the null pointer dereference condition during profile processing operations. The undefined behavior component emerges from the improper memory access patterns that occur when the function attempts to dereference a null pointer while processing structured binary data. This vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference issues, and represents a classic example of how unvalidated input can lead to critical system instability. The flaw is particularly concerning because ICC profiles are commonly used in professional imaging workflows where system reliability is crucial.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to encompass more serious security implications including potential code execution capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can cause application crashes leading to denial of service conditions, but more alarmingly can manipulate application logic and potentially bypass security controls within color management applications. This weakness affects applications that rely on iccDEV for profile validation and processing, potentially compromising the entire color management pipeline from input to output. The vulnerability affects systems where ICC profiles are processed, including graphic design applications, digital printing systems, and color calibration software. The attack surface is broad since ICC profiles are frequently exchanged between different systems and applications, making this a particularly dangerous flaw in environments where trusted and untrusted data mix.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-24404 require immediate implementation of version 2.3.1.2 which contains the necessary patches to address the null pointer dereference and undefined behavior conditions. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of iccDEV and prioritize immediate upgrades. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation for all ICC profile data processing, deploying application whitelisting controls, and establishing monitoring systems to detect anomalous profile processing behavior. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving denial of service and privilege escalation through code execution, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing security controls. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened around systems that process ICC profiles to limit potential exploitation vectors. The fix addresses the root cause by implementing proper null pointer checks and ensuring that all input data is validated before being processed into critical memory structures, preventing the undefined behavior that previously allowed exploitation.