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CVE Record

CVE-2021-41688: DCMTK through 3.6.6 does not handle memory free properly.

DCMTK through 3.6.6 does not handle memory free properly. The object in the program is free but its address is still used in other locations. Sending specific requests to the dcmqrdb program will incur a double free. An attacker can use it to launch a DoS attack.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysismoderate

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

DCMTK through 3.6.6 has a memory handling flaw in dcmqrdb. Certain requests can trigger a double free and crash the program, creating a denial-of-service risk for systems using DCMTK DICOM query/retrieve services.

Executive priority

Treat this as a targeted service availability risk, not confirmed system takeover. Prioritize environments where DICOM query/retrieve availability affects clinical or operational workflows, especially internet- or partner-reachable services.

Technical view

The CVE describes a use-after-free style memory lifetime issue leading to double free in DCMTK dcmqrdb. The public record states specific requests can cause denial of service. CVSS, CWE, and precise affected CPE data are not provided in the bundle.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely where DCMTK through 3.6.6 is installed and dcmqrdb is enabled or reachable. Medical imaging, PACS, research, or DICOM workflow environments should check package and source-build usage.

Exploitation context

The sources state denial of service is possible, but provide no evidence of active exploitation. The CVE is not marked KEV in the supplied bundle. Public details are limited to affected component, failure mode, and references.

Researcher notes

The bundle lacks CVSS, CWE, affected CPEs, and detailed fixed-version mapping. Analysis should stay scoped to DCMTK through 3.6.6, dcmqrdb, and DoS until vendor or distribution advisories provide more detail.

Mitigation direction

  • Identify DCMTK installations and whether dcmqrdb is enabled.
  • Apply vendor or distribution dcmtk security updates where available.
  • Review the referenced upstream commit for source-built deployments.
  • Check Debian LTS advisories if using Debian-packaged dcmtk.
  • Reduce external reachability of dcmqrdb where operationally acceptable.

Validation and detection

  • Confirm installed DCMTK version and package source.
  • Check whether dcmqrdb is running or exposed on networks.
  • Verify security update status against vendor advisories.
  • Review service logs for unexplained dcmqrdb crashes.
  • Document any source builds needing upstream fix review.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
6

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

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CVE-2021-41688 mapping review

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
5Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.