The vulnerability CVE-2026-24410 affects iccDEV, a set of libraries and tools developed by the InternationalColorConsortium for handling ICC color management profiles. Versions 2.3.1.1 and earlier contain a critical flaw in the CIccProfileXml::ParseBasic() function, where improper input validation leads to undefined behavior and null pointer dereference. This occurs when user-controllable input is unsafely incorporated into ICC profile data or other structured binary blobs, allowing attackers to craft malicious ICC profiles that trigger the vulnerability. The flaw stems from CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation), CWE-476 (Null Pointer Dereference), CWE-690 (Unchecked Return Value to NULL Pointer), and CWE-758 (Undefined Behavior). Exploitation requires no privileges but does require user interaction, such as opening or processing a malicious ICC profile in an application that uses iccDEV. The impact ranges from denial of service (application crashes) to data manipulation, bypassing application logic, and potentially arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.1, reflecting high severity due to network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction. The issue was fixed in version 2.3.1.2, and no known exploits are currently reported in the wild. Organizations using iccDEV or software dependent on it for color profile management should upgrade promptly to mitigate risks.

For European organizations, the vulnerability poses significant risks especially in industries relying heavily on color management such as digital media production, printing, graphic design, photography, and publishing. Exploitation could lead to denial of service, disrupting critical workflows and causing operational downtime. More severe impacts include data manipulation or bypassing application logic, which could undermine the integrity of color profiles and related data, potentially affecting product quality or brand consistency. In worst cases, attackers might achieve code execution, leading to broader system compromise. Given the network attack vector and no privilege requirements, attackers could exploit this vulnerability remotely if users open malicious ICC profiles received via email or downloaded from untrusted sources. This threat could impact software vendors, creative agencies, and enterprises using iccDEV libraries embedded in their applications. The disruption could have cascading effects on supply chains and client deliverables, especially in countries with large creative economies.

1. Immediate upgrade to iccDEV version 2.3.1.2 or later, which contains the patch for this vulnerability. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization for ICC profiles and related binary blobs before processing, especially in custom or legacy software using iccDEV. 3. Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing to limit the impact of potential exploitation, isolating ICC profile processing from critical system components. 4. Educate users to avoid opening ICC profiles from untrusted or unknown sources, particularly in email attachments or downloads. 5. Monitor logs and application behavior for crashes or anomalies related to ICC profile processing to detect potential exploitation attempts. 6. Coordinate with software vendors to ensure all dependent applications using iccDEV are updated and patched. 7. Use endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting malformed files or suspicious activity related to ICC profile handling. 8. For organizations with custom workflows, conduct code reviews and penetration testing focused on ICC profile parsing components.