CVE-2007-5394 in PageMaker
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in AldFs32.dll in Adobe PageMaker 7.0.1 and 7.0.2 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a .PMD file with a crafted font structure, a different vulnerability than CVE-2007-5169 and CVE-2007-6432.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5394 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw located within the AldFs32.dll component of Adobe PageMaker version 7.0.1 and 7.0.2. This particular vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks associated with improper input validation in document processing software, where maliciously crafted content can trigger exploitable conditions within the application's memory management systems. The flaw specifically manifests when the affected software processes .PMD files containing deliberately constructed font structures that exceed the allocated buffer space, creating conditions ripe for arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle of stack memory corruption by overwriting adjacent memory locations through an unchecked buffer read operation. When Adobe PageMaker encounters a malformed font structure within a .PMD file, the application fails to properly validate the size of the font data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This oversight creates a predictable overflow condition that attackers can manipulate to overwrite return addresses and function pointers stored on the stack, effectively redirecting program execution flow. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-121, specifically categorizing as a stack-based buffer overflow due to the nature of the memory corruption occurring in the stack region.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a user-assisted remote code execution vector that can be leveraged in targeted attacks. The fact that this vulnerability requires user interaction through opening a specially crafted .PMD file means that it can be effectively deployed through social engineering campaigns, phishing attacks, or malicious document sharing within professional environments where PageMaker is commonly used. This attack vector aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and persistent access. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on legacy PageMaker installations, creating potential entry points for attackers seeking to establish footholds within network environments where such software remains in use.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5394 should prioritize immediate software updates to Adobe PageMaker 7.0.3 or later versions where the buffer overflow has been patched. Organizations must implement comprehensive software inventory management to identify all instances of the vulnerable software and ensure timely patch deployment. Network-based defenses should include content filtering solutions that can detect and block .PMD files from untrusted sources, while endpoint protection measures should be configured to prevent execution of documents from unknown or untrusted origins. Additionally, security awareness training programs should emphasize the dangers of opening suspicious documents, particularly in professional environments where legacy software may still be in use. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current software versions and the risks associated with running outdated applications that may contain unpatched security flaws.