DCMTK: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2026-97059 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in DCMTK from OFFIS, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected DCMTK versions: 3.7.0 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 0.34% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of DCMTK you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
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
- LowSome restricted data can be read.
- 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:L/I:N/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.8 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.2 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
DCMTK through 3.7.0 contains a heap over-read vulnerability in ConcatenationLoader that copies pixel data frames without validating the PixelData buffer length against the declared NumberOfFrames. Attackers can craft malicious DICOM instances declaring more frames than the buffer contains to trigger heap over-reads that crash the application or leak adjacent heap memory.
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
Patches and release notes
Other references
- github.com/DCMTK/dcmtk
- github.com/DCMTK/dcmtk/blob/ccfd10b84ff3c9a40b7b331698aedf06d421fc43/dcmfg/libsrc/concatenationloader.cc#L334…
- github.com/DCMTK/dcmtk/blob/ccfd10b84ff3c9a40b7b331698aedf06d421fc43/dcmfg/libsrc/concatenationloader.cc#L399…
- support.dcmtk.org/redmine/issues/1281
- vulncheck.com/advisories/dcmtk-through-3.7.0-heap-over-read-via-numberofframes
Other vulnerabilities in DCMTK
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
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