CVE-2007-3387 in Xpdf
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the StreamPredictor::StreamPredictor function in xpdf 3.02, as used in (1) poppler before 0.5.91, (2) gpdf before 2.8.2, (3) kpdf, (4) kdegraphics, (5) CUPS, (6) PDFedit, and other products, might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file that triggers a stack-based buffer overflow in the StreamPredictor::getNextLine function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-3387 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the StreamPredictor::StreamPredictor function of xpdf version 3.02 and its derivatives. This issue affects a broad ecosystem of PDF processing applications including poppler before version 0.5.91, gpdf before 2.8.2, kpdf, kdegraphics, CUPS, and PDFedit among others. The flaw manifests when processing specially crafted PDF files that manipulate the prediction algorithm used in PDF stream decoding. The integer overflow occurs during the calculation of buffer sizes needed for processing PDF streams, creating a scenario where malicious input can cause the application to allocate insufficient memory for subsequent operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the predictable nature of integer overflow to trigger a stack-based buffer overflow within the StreamPredictor::getNextLine function. When the overflow occurs, it corrupts the stack memory layout and can potentially overwrite critical function pointers or return addresses, enabling remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to buffer overflows and subsequent code execution. The attack vector requires remote code execution through a malicious PDF file, making it particularly dangerous for web-based PDF viewers and document processing systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple software platforms and deployment scenarios where PDF processing is utilized. Systems using affected versions of poppler, gpdf, kpdf, and other PDF rendering libraries become susceptible to remote code execution attacks without proper input validation. The vulnerability affects both server-side and client-side PDF processing applications, creating risk for web browsers, document management systems, and print servers that handle PDF files from untrusted sources. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities for remote code execution, and T1068, which covers privilege escalation through application flaws.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3387 require immediate patching of affected software versions to address the integer overflow in the StreamPredictor class. Organizations should prioritize updating poppler to version 0.5.91 or later, gpdf to version 2.8.2 or newer, and ensure all dependent applications are upgraded to versions that contain the fix. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation for PDF files, deploying sandboxed environments for PDF processing, and configuring web applications to sanitize PDF uploads before processing. Network-level protections such as PDF content filtering and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual PDF processing patterns and potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability class.