The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-24407 affects iccDEV, a library and toolset used for handling ICC color management profiles. The root cause is improper input validation (CWE-20) within the icSigCalcOp() function, which processes user-controllable data embedded in ICC profiles or other structured binary blobs. When maliciously crafted input is processed, it can trigger undefined behavior (CWE-758), potentially leading to denial of service by crashing the application, unauthorized manipulation of data, bypass of application logic, or arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without authentication (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R), but requires user interaction, such as opening or importing a malicious ICC profile. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.1, indicating high severity primarily due to the potential for availability impact and integrity compromise. The flaw affects all iccDEV versions prior to 2.3.1.2, where the issue has been resolved. No public exploits have been reported, but the risk remains significant given the widespread use of ICC profiles in color-critical applications. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to disrupt printing services, manipulate color data in workflows, or gain code execution privileges in affected environments.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, especially in industries relying heavily on accurate color management such as printing, publishing, photography, and manufacturing. A successful exploit could cause denial of service, disrupting business operations and causing downtime. Data manipulation could lead to incorrect color rendering, damaging product quality and brand reputation. In worst cases, code execution could allow attackers to compromise systems, potentially leading to data breaches or lateral movement within networks. Given the remote exploitability and lack of required privileges, attackers could target users through malicious ICC profiles embedded in documents or media files. This risk is heightened in sectors with high reliance on color profile processing software, including graphic design firms, media companies, and device manufacturers across Europe.

European organizations should immediately upgrade iccDEV to version 2.3.1.2 or later to apply the official patch. Until the update is deployed, implement strict validation and filtering of ICC profiles received from untrusted sources. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to isolate processes handling ICC profiles, limiting potential damage from exploitation. Educate users to avoid opening or importing ICC profiles from unknown or untrusted origins. Monitor logs for crashes or unusual behavior in applications using iccDEV, which may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, integrate file integrity monitoring on systems processing ICC profiles to detect unauthorized changes. For organizations developing custom software using iccDEV, review and harden input validation routines beyond the patch to prevent similar issues. Finally, maintain up-to-date endpoint protection and network defenses to detect and block exploitation attempts.