CVE-2026-25582: iccDEV Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

CVE-2026-25582 Overview

CVE-2026-25582 is a heap buffer overflow (read) vulnerability affecting iccDEV, a set of libraries and tools that allow for the interaction, manipulation, and application of ICC color management profiles. The vulnerability exists in the CIccIO::WriteUInt16Float() function and can be triggered when converting malformed XML to ICC profiles via the iccFromXml tool. An attacker could craft a malicious XML file that, when processed, causes the application to read beyond the allocated heap buffer boundaries, potentially leading to information disclosure, application crashes, or code execution.

Critical Impact
Successful exploitation of this heap buffer overflow could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, cause denial of service conditions, or leak sensitive memory contents when processing specially crafted XML files.

Affected Products

iccDEV versions prior to 2.3.1.3
iccFromXml tool (XML to ICC profile converter)
Applications and libraries using vulnerable iccDEV components

Discovery Timeline

2026-02-04 - CVE-2026-25582 published to NVD
2026-02-05 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-25582

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer). The flaw resides in the CIccIO::WriteUInt16Float() function within the iccDEV library. When the iccFromXml tool processes a malformed XML file intended for ICC profile conversion, improper bounds checking allows read operations beyond the allocated heap buffer.

The local attack vector requires user interaction, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to process a malicious XML file using the vulnerable tool. However, once triggered, the vulnerability can result in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of input data boundaries during the XML-to-ICC profile conversion process. The CIccIO::WriteUInt16Float() function fails to properly verify that read operations remain within the allocated buffer size when processing floating-point data from XML input. This lack of bounds checking allows memory access beyond the intended buffer limits when malformed or specially crafted XML data is supplied.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access to the system and user interaction. An attacker would need to:

Craft a malicious XML file containing specially structured data designed to trigger the buffer overflow
Convince a user or automated system to process the malicious XML file using the iccFromXml tool
The vulnerable function reads beyond heap buffer boundaries during profile conversion

When the malformed XML is processed, the CIccIO::WriteUInt16Float() function performs heap read operations that exceed buffer boundaries. This could allow an attacker to leak sensitive memory contents, crash the application, or potentially achieve code execution depending on memory layout and exploitation techniques.

For detailed technical analysis, refer to the GitHub Issue Discussion and the GitHub Security Advisory GHSA-46hq-fphp-jggf.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-25582

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected crashes or segmentation faults in applications using iccDEV libraries during XML processing
Abnormal memory access patterns when the iccFromXml tool processes XML files
Presence of suspicious or unusually structured XML files targeting ICC profile conversion

Detection Strategies

Monitor for crashes in iccFromXml or applications linking to iccDEV libraries, particularly during XML file processing operations
Implement file integrity monitoring to detect attempts to introduce malicious XML files into ICC profile processing workflows
Deploy memory protection mechanisms (ASLR, DEP/NX) to mitigate potential exploitation attempts
Use application whitelisting to control which files can be processed by ICC profile tools

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable crash reporting and analysis for applications utilizing iccDEV components
Monitor system logs for unusual iccFromXml tool invocations, especially with untrusted input files
Implement input validation and sandboxing for XML file processing workflows involving color management profiles

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-25582

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade iccDEV to version 2.3.1.3 or later immediately to remediate this vulnerability
Audit systems for installed iccDEV versions and prioritize patching vulnerable instances
Restrict processing of untrusted XML files through the iccFromXml tool until patches are applied
Implement input validation to reject malformed XML files before processing

Patch Information

The vulnerability has been patched in iccDEV version 2.3.1.3. The fix addresses the bounds checking issue in the CIccIO::WriteUInt16Float() function. Organizations should update to this version or later to fully remediate the vulnerability.

GitHub Commit Changes - Contains the security fix
GitHub Pull Request Review - Patch review and discussion

Workarounds

Avoid processing XML files from untrusted sources with the iccFromXml tool until patching is complete
Run ICC profile conversion tools in isolated environments or sandboxes to limit potential impact
Implement strict input validation on XML files before passing them to iccDEV tools
Consider using alternative tools for XML-to-ICC conversion if immediate patching is not feasible

bash

# Check installed iccDEV version
iccFromXml --version

# Update to patched version (example using source)
git clone https://github.com/InternationalColorConsortium/iccDEV.git
cd iccDEV
git checkout v2.3.1.3
cmake . && make && sudo make install