CVE-2026-22255 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 CIccCLUT::Init() function within the IccProfLib/IccTagLut.cpp source file. It stems from improper input validation (CWE-20) and buffer management issues (CWE-130), allowing attackers to overflow heap buffers when processing crafted ICC profiles. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, memory corruption, or application crashes, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability affects all versions of iccDEV prior to 2.3.1.2, which contains the patch. Exploitation requires no privileges but does require user interaction, such as opening or importing a malicious ICC profile in an application that uses the vulnerable library. The CVSS v3.1 score is 8.8 (high), reflecting the network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction needed, and full impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no workarounds exist other than upgrading to the fixed version. Given the widespread use of ICC profiles in digital imaging, printing, and color management, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to applications and systems processing such profiles.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-22255 can be substantial, especially for those in industries relying heavily on color management workflows such as digital media production, printing, graphic design, and software development. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially leading to system compromise, data theft, or disruption of critical services. This could affect confidentiality by exposing sensitive image or document data, integrity by altering color profiles or processed images, and availability by causing application or system crashes. Organizations using iccDEV in client applications, server-side image processing, or embedded systems are at risk. The lack of workarounds means that until patched, systems remain vulnerable. Additionally, the requirement for user interaction means phishing or social engineering could be used to deliver malicious ICC profiles. The threat could disrupt supply chains or media production pipelines, impacting business continuity and reputation.

European organizations should immediately identify all systems and applications using iccDEV versions prior to 2.3.1.2. The primary mitigation is to upgrade to iccDEV version 2.3.1.2 or later, which contains the patch for this vulnerability. Where upgrading is not immediately feasible, organizations should implement strict input validation and filtering on any ICC profiles received from untrusted sources, including scanning and sandboxing before processing. User training to recognize suspicious files and cautious handling of ICC profiles from unknown origins can reduce risk. Application developers should consider implementing additional runtime protections such as Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP) to mitigate exploitation impact. Monitoring for anomalous application crashes or suspicious behavior related to color profile processing can aid early detection. Finally, coordinate with software vendors to ensure timely patch deployment and verify that third-party applications using iccDEV are updated accordingly.