CVE-2024-21812 is an integer overflow vulnerability classified under CWE-190 found in the sopen_FAMOS_read function of The Biosig Project's libbiosig library, specifically in version 2.5.0 and the Master Branch (ab0ee111). The vulnerability arises when processing specially crafted .famos files, which are used for biosignal data storage and analysis. The integer overflow leads to an out-of-bounds write, which can corrupt memory and enable an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely. The vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction, and can be exploited over the network by supplying a malicious .famos file to a system using the vulnerable libbiosig library. The CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 reflects the critical nature of this flaw, with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. While no public exploits have been reported yet, the ease of exploitation and severity make it a significant threat. Libbiosig is commonly used in biomedical signal processing applications, including EEG, ECG, and other physiological data analysis, which are prevalent in healthcare and research institutions. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure increases the urgency for organizations to implement interim mitigations and monitor for updates from the vendor.

The impact of CVE-2024-21812 on European organizations is substantial, particularly for those involved in healthcare, biomedical research, and biometric data processing where libbiosig is integrated. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to compromise sensitive patient data, disrupt medical device functionality, or manipulate research data integrity. This can result in severe confidentiality breaches, loss of data integrity, and potential denial of service conditions. Given the criticality and network attack vector, attackers could remotely compromise systems without user interaction, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation. The disruption of healthcare services or research activities could have cascading effects on patient care and scientific progress. Additionally, regulatory compliance risks arise from potential breaches of GDPR and other data protection laws. Organizations relying on libbiosig must assess their exposure and prioritize mitigation to avoid operational and reputational damage.

1. Monitor The Biosig Project’s official channels for patches addressing CVE-2024-21812 and apply them immediately upon release. 2. Until patches are available, restrict processing of .famos files to trusted and verified sources only, implementing strict input validation and file integrity checks. 3. Employ runtime memory protection mechanisms such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), Data Execution Prevention (DEP), and stack canaries to reduce exploitation success. 4. Use application sandboxing or containerization to isolate processes handling .famos files, limiting potential damage from exploitation. 5. Conduct code audits and static analysis on any custom integrations with libbiosig to identify and remediate unsafe handling of biosignal files. 6. Implement network-level controls to monitor and block suspicious traffic targeting services that process .famos files. 7. Educate relevant staff about the risks of opening untrusted biosignal files and enforce strict operational procedures for file handling. 8. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential exploitation scenarios involving libbiosig vulnerabilities.