1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- CVSS v4 8.5
- ATTENTION: Low attack complexity
- Vendor: Varex Imaging
- Equipment: Panoramic Dental Imaging Software
- Vulnerability: Uncontrolled Search Path Element
2. RISK EVALUATION
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a standard user to obtain NT Authority/SYSTEM privileges.
3. TECHNICAL DETAILS
3.1 AFFECTED PRODUCTS
The following AJAT dental imaging software (owned by Varex Imaging) containing vulnerable SDKs is affected:
- Panoramic Dental Imaging Software: Versions prior to 6.6.1.490
3.2 VULNERABILITY OVERVIEW
3.2.1 UNCONTROLLED SEARCH PATH ELEMENT CWE-427
The AJAT Panoramic Dental Imaging Software SDK is vulnerable to DLL hijacking, which may allow an attacker to obtain NT Authority/SYSTEM as a standard user.
CVE-2024-22774 has been assigned to this vulnerability. A CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.8 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
A CVSS v4 score has also been calculated for CVE-2024-22774. A base score of 8.5 has been calculated; the CVSS vector string is (AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N).
3.3 BACKGROUND
- CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS: Healthcare and Public Health
- COUNTRIES/AREAS DEPLOYED: North America
- COMPANY HEADQUARTERS LOCATION: United States
3.4 RESEARCHER
Damian Semon Jr. of Blue Team Alpha Inc reported this vulnerability to CISA.
4. MITIGATIONS
Varex Imaging, which acquired Direct Conversion Lt (formerly Oh AJAT Ltd) has provided a software patch for this vulnerability. Varex Imaging recommends users download the [Panoramic Dental Imaging SW patch] (https://vareximaging.sharepoint.com/:f:/r/sites/External/DetectorSW/Software/PC/SNAP/Ajat%20Dental%20SW?csf=1&web=1&e=hdFtCI). The files must be run on each workstation running the Panoramic Dental Imaging software. After downloading, users must run the file called AJAT_DENTAL_IMAGING_9.4.55.9888.exe.
For more information, contact Varex Imaging directly for assistance.
CISA recommends users take defensive measures to minimize the risk of exploitation of this vulnerability, such as:
- Minimize network exposure for all control system devices and/or systems, ensuring they are not accessible from the Internet.
- Locate control system networks and remote devices behind firewalls and isolating them from business networks.
- When remote access is required, use more secure methods, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), recognizing VPNs may have vulnerabilities and should be updated to the most current version available. Also recognize VPN is only as secure as the connected devices.
CISA reminds organizations to perform proper impact analysis and risk assessment prior to deploying defensive measures.
CISA also provides a section for control systems security recommended practices on the ICS webpage on cisa.gov/ics. Several CISA products detailing cyber defense best practices are available for reading and download, including Improving Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity with Defense-in-Depth Strategies.
CISA encourages organizations to implement recommended cybersecurity strategies for proactive defense of ICS assets.
Additional mitigation guidance and recommended practices are publicly available on the ICS webpage at cisa.gov/ics in the technical information paper, ICS-TIP-12-146-01B–Targeted Cyber Intrusion Detection and Mitigation Strategies.
Organizations observing suspected malicious activity should follow established internal procedures and report findings to CISA for tracking and correlation against other incidents.
No known public exploitation specifically targeting this vulnerability has been reported to CISA at this time. This vulnerability is not exploitable remotely.
5. UPDATE HISTORY
- December 11, 2025: Initial Publication