CVE-2004-1125 in KDE
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Gfx::doImage function in Gfx.cc for xpdf 3.00, and other products that share code such as tetex-bin and kpdf in KDE 3.2.x to 3.2.3 and 3.3.x to 3.3.2, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file that causes the boundaries of a maskColors array to be exceeded.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1125 represents a critical buffer overflow condition affecting the Gfx::doImage function within the xpdf library version 3.00 and its derivatives. This flaw exists in the handling of PDF file processing where the software fails to properly validate array boundaries when processing image data, specifically within the maskColors array structure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects multiple products that share the same codebase including tetex-bin and kpdf applications within KDE desktop environments. The buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of PDF files where maliciously crafted image data can cause the application to write beyond allocated memory boundaries, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a specially designed PDF file that contains malformed image data which triggers the buffer overflow condition in the Gfx::doImage function. When the vulnerable software processes such a file, it attempts to access memory locations beyond the intended maskColors array boundaries, causing memory corruption that can result in application crashes or potentially allow remote code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, related to legitimate user execution paths that can be exploited for privilege escalation. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of bounds checking in array manipulation operations, where the software does not validate that array indices remain within acceptable limits before accessing memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. In the context of KDE desktop environments where kpdf applications are commonly used, this vulnerability creates a significant security risk for users who may inadvertently open malicious PDF documents. The affected versions span across KDE 3.2.x to 3.2.3 and 3.3.x to 3.3.2, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple releases of the KDE desktop environment. The vulnerability affects not only the primary xpdf library but also derivatives that share the same codebase, amplifying the potential attack surface considerably. Organizations using these applications face risks of unauthorized code execution, system compromise, and potential data breaches when users interact with untrusted PDF content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of affected software versions to address the buffer overflow condition in the Gfx::doImage function. System administrators should prioritize updating xpdf library components and all derivative applications including tetex-bin and kpdf within KDE environments to versions that contain proper bounds checking and memory validation. Additionally, implementing content filtering measures that scan PDF files for malicious patterns before processing can provide an additional layer of defense. Network security controls should include monitoring for suspicious PDF file transfers and implementing application whitelisting to prevent execution of untrusted PDF processing applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in security-critical applications, emphasizing the need for regular security audits and code reviews to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in software components that handle untrusted data input.