CVE-2026-2034 is a classic buffer overflow vulnerability categorized under CWE-120, found in Sante DICOM Viewer Pro version 14.2.6.0. The flaw exists in the DCM file parsing component, where the software fails to properly validate the length of user-supplied data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer. This lack of bounds checking allows an attacker to craft a malicious DICOM (DCM) file that, when opened by the vulnerable viewer, causes a buffer overflow. This overflow can overwrite memory, enabling arbitrary code execution within the context of the application process. The vulnerability requires user interaction, specifically opening a malicious file or visiting a malicious page that triggers the file parsing. The attack vector is local or remote with low complexity and no privileges required, but user interaction is mandatory. The impact includes full compromise of the affected system’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as arbitrary code execution can lead to data theft, system manipulation, or denial of service. Although no active exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability was assigned a CVSS v3.0 score of 7.8, indicating a high severity level. The vulnerability was reported and reserved by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-28129 and published on February 20, 2026. No patches were listed at the time of reporting, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps.

This vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations using Sante DICOM Viewer Pro, particularly healthcare providers, radiology centers, and medical imaging facilities. Successful exploitation can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to gain control over affected systems. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive patient data, alteration or deletion of medical images, disruption of diagnostic workflows, and potential spread of malware within healthcare networks. The compromise of medical imaging systems can undermine patient safety and trust, cause regulatory compliance violations (e.g., HIPAA), and lead to financial and reputational damage. Given the critical role of DICOM viewers in clinical environments, the availability and integrity of these systems are paramount. The requirement for user interaction somewhat limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where users frequently handle external files. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat but does not preclude future exploitation attempts.

Organizations should implement the following specific mitigation strategies: 1) Immediately restrict the use of Sante DICOM Viewer Pro version 14.2.6.0 until a vendor patch is available; consider disabling automatic opening of DICOM files from untrusted sources. 2) Enforce strict file validation and scanning policies for all incoming DICOM files, using advanced malware detection tools capable of inspecting medical image files. 3) Educate users on the risks of opening files from unknown or untrusted sources and implement user awareness training focused on phishing and social engineering tactics. 4) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of the DICOM viewer, reducing the impact of potential exploitation. 5) Monitor network and endpoint logs for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected process launches or memory anomalies. 6) Maintain up-to-date backups of critical medical imaging data to enable recovery in case of compromise. 7) Engage with the vendor for timely patch releases and apply updates promptly once available. 8) Consider network segmentation to isolate medical imaging systems from broader enterprise networks to contain potential breaches.