CVE-2026-21497 is a vulnerability identified in the InternationalColorConsortium's iccDEV library, which is widely used for managing ICC color profiles in imaging and color management applications. The root cause is improper input validation (CWE-20) in the handling of ICC profile tags, specifically an unknown tag parser that can dereference a NULL pointer (CWE-476). When an attacker supplies a malformed ICC profile containing such a tag, the library attempts to access memory through a NULL pointer, causing the application to crash and resulting in a denial of service (DoS). This vulnerability affects all versions of iccDEV prior to 2.3.1.2, where the issue has been patched. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.5 (medium), reflecting that the attack vector is local (AV:L), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The impact is limited to availability (A:H), with no confidentiality or integrity impact. No known exploits are currently in the wild. The vulnerability is significant for software relying on iccDEV for color profile processing, including digital imaging, printing, and media production tools. Improper input validation and lack of robust error handling in the ICC tag parser are the technical causes. The patch addresses these by validating inputs and preventing NULL dereferences.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2026-21497 is denial of service in applications that utilize iccDEV for ICC profile processing. This can disrupt workflows in digital media production, printing services, graphic design, and any color-critical applications. While the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, service interruptions can lead to operational delays, reduced productivity, and potential financial losses. Organizations relying on automated color management pipelines or large-scale image processing may face cascading failures if unpatched. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation, reducing risk for externally facing systems. However, insider threats or compromised endpoints could trigger the vulnerability. Given the widespread use of ICC profiles in European creative industries, the impact is non-negligible, especially in countries with strong media and printing sectors.

To mitigate CVE-2026-21497, organizations should promptly update iccDEV to version 2.3.1.2 or later where the vulnerability is patched. For environments where immediate patching is not feasible, implement strict input validation and sanitization on ICC profiles before processing. Restrict access to systems running iccDEV to trusted users to minimize risk of maliciously crafted profiles. Employ application-level monitoring to detect crashes or abnormal behavior linked to ICC profile handling. Integrate security testing in the software development lifecycle to catch similar input validation issues early. Additionally, educate users about the risks of opening untrusted ICC profiles and enforce policies to avoid processing profiles from unknown sources. For custom parsers or extensions, review code for NULL pointer dereference risks and improve error handling robustness.