CVE-2025-3483 is a critical stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability found in MedDream PACS Server, specifically in version 7.3.3.840 of MedDream PACS Premium. The vulnerability arises from improper validation of the length of user-supplied data during the parsing of DICOM files, which are standard medical imaging files used in healthcare environments. When the server processes a specially crafted DICOM file, it copies data into a fixed-length stack buffer without adequate bounds checking, leading to a buffer overflow condition. This flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system without requiring any authentication or user interaction. The code execution occurs in the context of the service account running the PACS server, potentially allowing attackers to gain control over the system, manipulate medical images, disrupt services, or move laterally within the network. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow) and has been assigned a CVSS v3.0 base score of 9.8, indicating a critical severity with network attack vector, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. Although no public exploits are currently known in the wild, the high severity and ease of exploitation make this a significant threat to healthcare organizations using the affected MedDream PACS Server version. The lack of available patches at the time of publication further increases the urgency for mitigation and monitoring.

For European organizations, particularly healthcare providers and medical imaging centers, this vulnerability poses a severe risk. MedDream PACS Server is used to store, retrieve, and manage medical imaging data, which is highly sensitive and subject to strict data protection regulations such as GDPR. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access, modification, or deletion of patient imaging data, undermining patient confidentiality and data integrity. Additionally, arbitrary code execution could disrupt critical healthcare services, causing denial of service or enabling ransomware attacks. The compromise of PACS servers could also facilitate lateral movement within hospital networks, potentially exposing other critical systems. Given the critical nature of healthcare infrastructure and the sensitivity of medical data, successful exploitation could result in significant operational disruption, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage for European healthcare institutions.

1. Immediate mitigation should include isolating MedDream PACS Server instances from untrusted networks and restricting inbound traffic to trusted sources only, using network segmentation and firewalls. 2. Implement strict input validation and filtering at network boundaries to detect and block malformed DICOM files. 3. Monitor network traffic and server logs for unusual activity or attempts to upload suspicious DICOM files. 4. Engage with MedDream vendor support to obtain patches or updated versions addressing this vulnerability as soon as they become available. 5. If patching is delayed, consider deploying virtual patching via Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) or Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) with custom signatures targeting exploit attempts. 6. Conduct thorough security assessments and penetration testing focused on PACS infrastructure to identify other potential weaknesses. 7. Ensure robust backup and recovery procedures are in place to restore data and services in case of compromise. 8. Train IT and security staff on the specific risks related to PACS systems and the importance of monitoring for exploitation attempts.