CVE-2010-0207 in Xpdf
Summary
by MITRE
In xpdf, the xref table contains an infinite loop which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) in xpdf-based PDF viewers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0207 resides within the xpdf library, a widely used open-source PDF rendering engine that forms the foundation for numerous PDF viewers and applications across various platforms. This particular flaw manifests in the cross-reference table handling mechanism, which is a critical component of the PDF file structure responsible for maintaining pointers to objects within the document. The xpdf library processes these cross-reference tables to efficiently locate and retrieve specific elements of PDF files, making this component essential for proper PDF functionality and viewer operation.
The technical flaw represents an infinite loop condition that occurs when processing malformed cross-reference tables in PDF files. When a PDF viewer based on xpdf encounters a specially crafted cross-reference table structure, the library's parsing routine enters an endless loop where it continuously references the same table entries without proper termination conditions. This condition stems from inadequate boundary checking and loop termination logic within the xref table parsing code, allowing an attacker to craft malicious PDF documents that trigger this specific behavior. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-835, which specifically addresses infinite loops or iterations without proper exit conditions, making it a classic example of a denial of service vulnerability through resource exhaustion.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability, as it provides remote attackers with a straightforward method to disrupt PDF viewing services and applications. When exploited, the infinite loop causes the affected PDF viewer to consume excessive CPU resources, leading to application crashes and complete service unavailability. This denial of service condition affects any system running xpdf-based applications, including web browsers with PDF plugins, desktop PDF viewers, and mobile applications that utilize xpdf for PDF rendering. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication or specialized privileges to exploit, making it a low-effort attack vector that can be deployed against any vulnerable system. The impact is amplified in environments where PDF processing is critical, such as enterprise document management systems, web applications serving PDF content, and online portals where users might encounter malicious documents.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0207 primarily involve updating to patched versions of the xpdf library where the cross-reference table parsing logic has been corrected to include proper loop termination conditions and boundary checks. System administrators should prioritize updating all xpdf-based applications and ensure that the underlying library is current with security patches. Additionally, implementing input validation measures and PDF content filtering can provide defense-in-depth protection against malformed PDF files. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, specifically targeting the application layer where the vulnerable parsing logic resides. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious PDF traffic patterns associated with known exploit signatures for this vulnerability.