CVE-2026-5441 Out-of-Bounds Read in DicomImageDecoder (PMSCT_RLE1 Decompression)
Attackers can leak heap data via crafted DICOM images due to an out-of-bounds read in the Philips compression decoder, affecting Orthanc server deployments.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- Available
What is CVE-2026-5441?
CVE-2026-5441 is a high-severity vulnerability in Orthanc DICOM Server, published on 9 Apr 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
An out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists in the `DecodePsmctRle1` function of `DicomImageDecoder.cpp`. The `PMSCT_RLE1` decompression routine, which decodes the proprietary Philips Compression format, does not properly validate escape markers placed near the end of the compressed data stream. A crafted sequence at the end of the buffer can cause the decoder to read beyond the allocated memory region and leak heap data into the rendered image output.
Weakness: CWE-125
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-5441?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Orthanc-Server Orthanc.
How do I fix CVE-2026-5441?
Apply the vendor's patch.
Is CVE-2026-5441 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-5441 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in Orthanc DICOM Server
- CVE-2026-5442 Heap Buffer Overflow in DICOM Image Decoder via VR UL Dimensions
- CVE-2026-5443 Heap Buffer Overflow in DICOM Image Decoder (Palette Color Decode)
- CVE-2025-0896 Orthanc Server Missing Authentication for Critical Function
- CVE-2026-5445 Out-of-Bounds Read in DicomImageDecoder (DecodeLookupTable)
- CVE-2023-33466 Path traversal in n/a
Sources
Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2026-5441, GHSA-5jvx-5q86-rxx3, UBUNTU-CVE-2026-5441.