CVE-2024-52333
📋 TL;DR
An improper array index validation vulnerability in OFFIS DCMTK's determineMinMax function allows out-of-bounds writes when processing specially crafted DICOM files. This could lead to arbitrary code execution or application crashes. Systems using DCMTK for medical imaging processing are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- OFFIS DCMTK
📦 What is this software?
Dcmtk by Offis
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Application crash causing denial of service for medical imaging workflows, potentially disrupting patient care.
If Mitigated
Contained application crash with no lateral movement if proper network segmentation and least privilege are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires crafting a malicious DICOM file and getting it processed by vulnerable DCMTK. No authentication bypass needed for file processing.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Fixed in commit 03e851b0586d05057c3268988e180ffb426b2e03
Vendor Advisory: https://git.dcmtk.org/?p=dcmtk.git;a=commit;h=03e851b0586d05057c3268988e180ffb426b2e03
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Update DCMTK to version with commit 03e851b0586d05057c3268988e180ffb426b2e03 or later. 2. Recompile any applications using DCMTK libraries. 3. Test with sample DICOM files to ensure functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allImplement strict validation of DICOM files before processing with DCMTK
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to isolate DCMTK systems from untrusted networks
- Deploy application allowlisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check DCMTK version: dcmdump --version or examine installed package versionCheck Version:
dcmdump --version 2>&1 | grep VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify DCMTK version includes commit 03e851b0586d05057c3268988e180ffb426b2e03📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes in DCMTK processes
- Unusual DICOM file processing errors
- Memory access violation logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual DICOM file uploads to medical imaging systems
- Outbound connections from DCMTK processes
SIEM Query:
source="dcmtk" AND (event_type="crash" OR error="segmentation fault" OR error="access violation")