CVE-2026-76883 in DCT2000
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2026
Catapult DCT2000 file parser crash in 4.6.0 to 4.6.7 and 4.4.0 to 4.4.18 allows denial of service
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2026
The vulnerability identified in Catapult DCT2000 versions ranging from 4.4.0 through 4.4.18 and 4.6.0 through 4.6.7 represents a critical flaw within the application's file parsing logic, specifically targeting how it processes incoming data structures. This issue stems from an improper validation of input parameters during the initialization or rendering phases of specific document types supported by the software. When the parser encounters malformed or specially crafted files containing unexpected byte sequences or structural anomalies, it fails to handle the exception conditions gracefully. Instead of terminating the operation safely and returning control to the user interface, the application proceeds with memory operations that exceed allocated boundaries or reference invalid pointers. This sequence of events triggers an immediate crash of the host process, resulting in a complete loss of availability for the affected system instance.
From a technical perspective, this flaw is characteristic of a classic denial-of-service condition often associated with improper input validation and lack of robust error handling mechanisms. The vulnerability allows an attacker to exploit the file parsing routine by delivering a maliciously constructed document that triggers the unstable code path. Upon execution, the application consumes excessive resources or encounters a fatal exception such as a segmentation fault or access violation. This behavior aligns closely with Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-20 Improper Input Validation and CWE-400 Uncontrolled Resource Consumption. The root cause lies in the absence of rigorous boundary checks before processing file contents, which is a fundamental security requirement for any software component responsible for interpreting external data formats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Catapult DCT2000 for digital content management and distribution workflows. Since the application crashes upon encountering the malicious input, it disrupts ongoing operations and requires manual intervention to restart the service or clear corrupted state information. In environments where high availability is critical, such as broadcast facilities or media production houses, this interruption can lead to substantial downtime and potential loss of productivity. Furthermore, if the vulnerability exists within a network-facing component that automatically processes received files without user interaction, it could be exploited remotely by an adversary to disrupt services continuously. This scenario maps directly to the ATT&CK technique T1499 Endpoint Denial of Service, where adversaries aim to degrade or destroy the availability of target systems through resource exhaustion or application crashes.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective solution is to apply the vendor-provided patches that address versions 4.6.8 onwards and 4.4.19 onwards, which include fixes for the underlying parsing logic. Until updates can be deployed, administrators should implement strict file filtering policies at the network perimeter or application gateway level to inspect incoming documents before they reach the vulnerable parser. Additionally, enabling sandboxing for any user accounts that require access to untrusted files can contain potential crashes within isolated environments, preventing system-wide instability. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on input validation practices are essential to prevent similar weaknesses in future software releases. Organizations should also monitor vendor advisories closely to ensure timely deployment of security updates as new versions become available.