CVE-2026-2704 is a security vulnerability identified in Open Babel, a widely used open-source chemical toolbox for converting and manipulating chemical data formats. The vulnerability resides in the function OpenBabel::transform3d::DescribeAsString located in src/math/transform3d.cpp, specifically within the CIF File Handler component. The flaw is an out-of-bounds read, meaning the function reads memory outside the bounds of allocated buffers when processing certain malformed CIF files. This can lead to unintended information disclosure or potentially cause application crashes due to invalid memory access. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable without requiring authentication, but it does require user interaction, such as processing a crafted CIF file. The CVSS 4.0 score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting the network attack vector, low complexity, no privileges required, and limited impact on confidentiality and availability. The vulnerability was responsibly disclosed early to the Open Babel project, but no patch has been released as of the publication date. No known exploits are currently active in the wild, but public disclosure increases the risk of exploitation attempts. Open Babel is commonly used in scientific research, pharmaceuticals, and chemical informatics, making this vulnerability relevant to organizations handling chemical data. The lack of a patch necessitates interim mitigations to reduce exposure.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2026-2704 lies in potential information leakage and application instability. Organizations in pharmaceutical, chemical, and academic research sectors that rely on Open Babel for chemical data processing may inadvertently expose sensitive research data if maliciously crafted CIF files are processed. The out-of-bounds read could also lead to application crashes, disrupting workflows and causing denial of service. While the vulnerability does not allow direct code execution or privilege escalation, the exposure of memory contents could assist attackers in further reconnaissance or exploitation. The requirement for user interaction limits automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments where CIF files are exchanged or processed automatically. The absence of a patch increases the window of vulnerability, necessitating heightened vigilance. Disruption or data leakage in critical research or industrial environments could have economic and reputational consequences for affected European entities.

1. Restrict network access to systems running Open Babel to trusted users and networks only, minimizing exposure to untrusted CIF files. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization for CIF files before processing them with Open Babel, including scanning for malformed or suspicious files. 3. Use sandboxing or containerization to isolate Open Babel processes, limiting the impact of potential crashes or memory disclosures. 4. Monitor logs and network traffic for unusual activity related to CIF file processing, such as unexpected file uploads or processing errors. 5. Educate users about the risks of processing untrusted CIF files and enforce policies to avoid opening files from unknown sources. 6. Track Open Babel project updates closely and apply patches immediately once available. 7. Consider alternative tools or workflows that do not rely on vulnerable Open Babel versions until a fix is released. 8. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts.