The vulnerability CVE-2026-24409 resides in the iccDEV library, specifically in versions up to 2.3.1.1, within the CIccTagXmlFloatNum<>::ParseXml() function responsible for parsing XML float numbers embedded in ICC color profiles. The root cause is improper input validation (CWE-20) combined with unsafe handling of null pointers (CWE-476), unchecked return values (CWE-690), and undefined behavior (CWE-758). When user-controllable input is embedded into ICC profile data or other structured binary blobs, the parsing function may dereference null pointers or behave unpredictably. This can be triggered by an attacker crafting malicious ICC profiles that, when loaded by vulnerable software, cause denial of service (application crashes), data manipulation, bypass of application logic, or potentially arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without authentication (AV:N), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as opening or importing a malicious ICC profile. The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact affects integrity (I:L) and availability (A:H) but not confidentiality. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the potential for serious impact exists, especially in environments processing large volumes of ICC profiles. The issue was fixed in iccDEV version 2.3.1.2, which includes proper input validation and safe parsing mechanisms to prevent null pointer dereferences and undefined behavior.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, particularly for industries relying heavily on color management workflows, such as graphic design, digital printing, photography, and media production. Exploitation could lead to denial of service, causing application crashes and workflow interruptions, potentially delaying critical production processes. Data manipulation or bypassing application logic could result in corrupted color profiles, leading to inaccurate color rendering and quality control issues. In worst-case scenarios, code execution could allow attackers to compromise systems, leading to broader network infiltration or data breaches. Given the widespread use of ICC profiles in imaging software, the vulnerability poses a risk to both desktop and server environments. European organizations with stringent regulatory requirements for data integrity and availability may face compliance challenges if exploited. Additionally, the disruption of media and manufacturing supply chains could have economic repercussions. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits over time.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should immediately upgrade all instances of iccDEV to version 2.3.1.2 or later, where the issue is fixed. Organizations should audit their software stacks to identify all applications and services that utilize iccDEV libraries for ICC profile processing. Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all ICC profile data before processing, including rejecting malformed or suspicious profiles. Employ application whitelisting to restrict execution of untrusted or unknown software that might process ICC profiles. Monitor logs and application behavior for crashes or anomalies related to ICC profile handling. Where possible, isolate systems that process untrusted ICC profiles in sandboxed or virtualized environments to limit potential damage. Educate users about the risks of opening ICC profiles from untrusted sources and enforce policies to avoid importing profiles from unknown origins. Coordinate with software vendors to ensure timely patch deployment and verify that updates do not introduce regressions. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential exploitation.