DICOM Server: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2026-5437 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in DICOM Server from Orthanc, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected DICOM Server versions: 1.12.10 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.65% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 52% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Orthanc to 1.12.11 or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orthanc | DICOM Server | 1.12.10 and earlier | Not stated |
| Orthanc-server | Orthanc | before 1.12.11 | 1.12.11 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
An out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists in `DicomStreamReader` during DICOM meta-header parsing. When processing malformed metadata structures, the parser may read beyond the bounds of the allocated metadata buffer. Although this issue does not typically crash the server or expose data directly to the attacker, it reflects insufficient input validation in the parsing logic.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read
The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- kb.cert.org/vuls/id/536588Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other references
- machinespirits.de/Not Applicable
- orthanc-server.com/Product
Other vulnerabilities in DICOM Server
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.1 High severity
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 8.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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