CVE-2005-3193 in Xpdf
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in the JPXStream::readCodestream function in the JPX stream parsing code (JPXStream.c) for xpdf 3.01 and earlier, as used in products such as (1) Poppler, (2) teTeX, (3) KDE kpdf, (4) CUPS, and (5) libextractor allows user-assisted attackers to cause a denial of service (heap corruption) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file with large size values that cause insufficient memory to be allocated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3193 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow affecting the JPX stream parsing functionality within xpdf versions 3.01 and earlier. This flaw resides in the JPXStream::readCodestream function located in JPXStream.c, which processes JPEG 2000 compressed data streams commonly found in PDF documents. The vulnerability manifests when processing malformed PDF files containing crafted large size values that manipulate the memory allocation process during stream parsing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the JPX stream parser. When the parser encounters a PDF file with oversized size parameters in its JPEG 2000 codestream data, it fails to properly validate these values before attempting memory allocation. This insufficient validation leads to the allocation of insufficient memory buffers, which subsequently causes heap corruption when the parser attempts to write data beyond the allocated boundaries. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory safety and input validation, creating a condition where maliciously crafted PDF documents can trigger memory corruption that may result in arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple software ecosystems that utilize xpdf's JPX stream parsing capabilities. Products including Poppler, teTeX, KDE kpdf, CUPS, and libextractor are all affected by this vulnerability, representing a significant attack surface across document processing and rendering applications. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through user-assisted means by crafting malicious PDF files that contain oversized size values in their JPEG 2000 components. The consequences include both denial of service conditions through heap corruption and potential arbitrary code execution, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for systems processing untrusted PDF content.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-122, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient memory is allocated for buffer operations, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, representing exploitation of input validation weaknesses in document processing applications. The attack vector requires user interaction through the delivery of malicious PDF files, making it particularly relevant in email-based attack scenarios or web browsing environments where PDF documents are commonly encountered. Organizations utilizing affected software should prioritize immediate patching and implementation of PDF content filtering measures to mitigate potential exploitation.
The root cause of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic memory safety issue where the parser fails to implement proper bounds checking before memory allocation. This flaw highlights the importance of robust input validation in multimedia stream parsing libraries and underscores the critical need for proper memory management practices in document processing software. Security practitioners should implement defensive programming techniques including bounds checking, memory allocation validation, and input sanitization to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of document processing stacks.