CVE-2009-3603 in Poppler
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the SplashBitmap::SplashBitmap function in Xpdf 3.x before 3.02pl4 and Poppler before 0.12.1 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF document that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information. NOTE: this issue reportedly exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2009-1188.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-3603 represents a critical integer overflow condition that affects PDF rendering libraries, specifically impacting Xpdf versions prior to 3.02pl4 and Poppler versions before 0.12.1. This flaw stems from an incomplete remediation of a previously identified vulnerability CVE-2009-1188, creating a persistent security weakness in document processing software. The vulnerability manifests within the SplashBitmap::SplashBitmap function where improper handling of integer values during bitmap creation can lead to memory corruption. When a maliciously crafted PDF document is processed by vulnerable software, the integer overflow condition causes the system to allocate insufficient memory for buffer operations, ultimately resulting in heap-based buffer overflows that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a PDF document containing specifically formatted data that triggers the integer overflow during the bitmap rendering process. The flaw occurs when the application calculates memory requirements for bitmap storage using integer arithmetic that fails to properly validate input parameters. This creates a scenario where legitimate input values can cause integer overflow, leading to miscalculations in memory allocation sizes. The resulting heap corruption allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the vulnerable application. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-190, which addresses integer overflow conditions, and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1203, focusing on exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities through crafted input manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it affects widely deployed PDF rendering components used across various operating systems and applications. Security researchers have documented that this flaw could be leveraged in web browsers, email clients, and document viewers that utilize affected libraries, creating a broad attack surface. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious PDF content through web pages, email attachments, or file sharing systems without requiring local access to target systems. Organizations using vulnerable versions of Xpdf or Poppler libraries face significant risk of compromise, particularly in environments where PDF processing occurs without proper input validation or sandboxing measures. The incomplete fix for CVE-2009-1188 demonstrates the complexity of vulnerability remediation and the importance of thorough testing when addressing integer overflow conditions in memory-critical applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-3603 require immediate patching of affected software components to the fixed versions of Xpdf 3.02pl4 or Poppler 0.12.1, which contain proper integer overflow protections. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including PDF content filtering, sandboxing of PDF processing components, and regular security updates for all document rendering software. Network-level controls such as PDF content inspection and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection while patches are deployed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive security testing for integer arithmetic operations, particularly in memory management functions, and underscores the need for proper input validation in all data processing components. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning to identify other potentially affected systems and ensure that all PDF rendering libraries are updated to secure versions that properly address integer overflow conditions.