CVE-2026-22046 is a heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability identified in the iccDEV library, which is widely used for handling International Color Consortium (ICC) color profiles. The vulnerability exists in the CIccProfileXml::ParseBasic() function located in the IccXML/IccLibXML/IccProfileXml.cpp source file. It stems from improper input validation (CWE-20) and buffer management issues (CWE-130, CWE-843), allowing an attacker to craft malicious ICC profiles that, when parsed by vulnerable versions of iccDEV (prior to 2.3.1.2), can trigger a heap overflow. This overflow can lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or application crashes. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring privileges (AV:N/PR:N), but it requires user interaction (UI:R), such as opening or processing a malicious ICC profile embedded in images or documents. The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is limited to the vulnerable component's context. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating a high severity level with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits have been observed in the wild yet, and no alternative mitigations or workarounds are available other than applying the patch introduced in iccDEV version 2.3.1.2. The vulnerability affects any software or system that integrates iccDEV for color profile processing, including image editors, printing software, and digital content management systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially to industries relying on accurate color management such as digital media production, printing, photography, and graphic design. Exploitation could lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to compromise systems, steal sensitive data, or disrupt operations through denial of service. Given the widespread use of ICC profiles in image and document workflows, the attack surface is broad. Compromised systems could be leveraged for lateral movement within networks, impacting confidentiality and integrity of corporate data. The lack of known exploits currently offers a window for proactive mitigation, but the high CVSS score and ease of exploitation without privileges underscore the urgency. Organizations processing untrusted or external ICC profiles are particularly vulnerable. The impact extends to availability if critical services relying on iccDEV crash or become unstable due to exploitation attempts.

The primary mitigation is to upgrade all deployments of iccDEV to version 2.3.1.2 or later, which contains the patch for this vulnerability. Organizations should audit their software stacks to identify any use of iccDEV, including indirect dependencies in image processing or printing applications. Implement strict input validation and sanitization for ICC profiles before processing, potentially isolating or sandboxing the parsing operations to limit impact of exploitation. Employ application whitelisting and runtime protections such as memory safety tools (e.g., ASLR, DEP) to reduce exploitation success. Monitor logs and network traffic for anomalies related to ICC profile processing. Educate users about the risks of opening untrusted image files or documents that may contain malicious ICC profiles. Coordinate with software vendors to ensure timely updates and verify that third-party tools using iccDEV are also patched. Consider network segmentation for systems handling high volumes of external media files to contain potential breaches.