CVE-2024-24793 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in Imaging Data Commons libdicom version 1.0.5. The flaw exists in the function parse_meta_element_create(), which handles parsing of elements within the File Meta Information header of DICOM files. When processing a specially crafted malicious DICOM file, the vulnerable code prematurely frees memory that is subsequently accessed, leading to a use-after-free condition. This memory misuse can result in undefined behavior, including potential arbitrary code execution, memory corruption, or application crashes. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely without requiring any privileges or user interaction, as it only requires the vulnerable application to process the malicious DICOM image. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, though the attack complexity is high due to the need for a crafted DICOM file and the requirement that the vulnerable libdicom version is in use. No patches or known exploits are currently reported, but the risk is significant given the critical role of DICOM in medical imaging workflows. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure parsing and memory management in healthcare software components.

The impact on European organizations, especially those in the healthcare sector, can be severe. Medical imaging systems relying on libdicom 1.0.5 are vulnerable to remote exploitation that can lead to arbitrary code execution, potentially allowing attackers to compromise patient data confidentiality, alter imaging results (integrity), or disrupt availability of critical diagnostic services. Such disruptions could delay patient care or lead to misdiagnosis. Given the widespread use of DICOM standards in European hospitals, radiology centers, and diagnostic labs, exploitation could affect large numbers of patients and healthcare providers. Additionally, compromised imaging systems could serve as a foothold for broader network intrusion, threatening hospital IT infrastructure. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the high severity score necessitates urgent attention. Regulatory compliance frameworks like GDPR also impose strict requirements on protecting patient data, increasing the legal and financial risks of exploitation.

1. Monitor for and apply security updates from Imaging Data Commons or libdicom maintainers as soon as patches addressing CVE-2024-24793 are released. 2. Until patches are available, implement strict input validation and sanitization on all DICOM files before processing, potentially using sandboxed or isolated environments to handle untrusted files. 3. Employ network segmentation to isolate medical imaging systems from broader hospital networks, limiting lateral movement if exploitation occurs. 4. Use runtime memory protection techniques such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) on systems running libdicom. 5. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on medical imaging workflows to detect anomalous behavior. 6. Train staff on the risks of processing untrusted DICOM files and establish procedures to verify file provenance. 7. Maintain comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect exploitation attempts early. 8. Collaborate with vendors and healthcare cybersecurity communities to share threat intelligence and mitigation strategies.