CVE-2004-0889 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple integer overflows in xpdf 3.0, and other packages that use xpdf code such as CUPS, allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code, a different set of vulnerabilities than those identified by CVE-2004-0888.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0889 represents a critical security flaw affecting xpdf 3.0 and related software packages that incorporate xpdf code libraries. This vulnerability stems from multiple integer overflow conditions that occur during the processing of PDF documents, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system. The issue specifically affects software implementations that utilize xpdf's core libraries for PDF rendering and processing, including the Common Unix Printing System CUPS and various other applications that depend on xpdf functionality. These integer overflows manifest when the software attempts to handle malformed or specially crafted PDF files that contain oversized numerical values in their structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of integer variables during PDF parsing operations where the software fails to properly validate input data before performing arithmetic operations or memory allocations. When encountering maliciously crafted PDF files, the integer overflow conditions can cause the application to allocate insufficient memory or perform invalid memory operations, leading to program crashes or potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through the processing of PDF documents, making it exploitable via web browsers, email attachments, or any application that processes PDF files using the vulnerable xpdf libraries. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-190 category of Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which is classified as a common weakness in software security implementations.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0889 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as the potential for arbitrary code execution creates significant risk for compromised systems. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially escalating privileges or establishing persistent access points within network environments. The vulnerability affects a wide range of applications that depend on xpdf libraries, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple systems might be vulnerable. Organizations using CUPS printing systems, web browsers with PDF support, or any software that processes PDF documents through xpdf code are at risk. The attack surface is broad since many applications utilize xpdf as a foundational component for PDF handling, creating cascading effects when any one of these applications is compromised.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0889 require immediate patching of affected systems and applications that utilize vulnerable xpdf code libraries. System administrators should prioritize updating to patched versions of xpdf 3.0 and all dependent applications including CUPS and other software packages. Network administrators should implement filtering measures to prevent the processing of untrusted PDF files, particularly in email gateways and web applications. The implementation of sandboxing techniques for PDF processing can provide additional protection layers, isolating vulnerable applications from critical system resources. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual memory allocation patterns or crash events in PDF processing applications. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict the execution of potentially vulnerable software components. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of vulnerable software within the environment, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar integer overflow vulnerabilities that may exist in other software components.