CVE-2021-41687
CWE-401Published: June 28, 2022· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
DCMTK through 3.6.6 does not handle memory free properly. The program malloc a heap memory for parsing data, but does not free it when error in parsing. Sending specific requests to the dcmqrdb program incur the memory leak. An attacker can use it to launch a DoS attack.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2021-41687 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.
A successful exploit results in availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.5.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (7)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-401)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2021-41687 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts