CVE-2011-0341 in MuPDF
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the pdfmoz_onmouse function in apps/mozilla/moz_main.c in the MuPDF plug-in 2008.09.02 for Firefox allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted web site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0341 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting the MuPDF plugin version 2008.09.02 for Firefox browsers. This flaw resides within the pdfmoz_onmouse function located in the apps/mozilla/moz_main.c source file, creating a significant security risk that enables remote code execution through malicious web content. The vulnerability specifically targets the Mozilla-based browser environment where MuPDF serves as a PDF rendering plugin, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of Firefox and the prevalence of PDF documents in web browsing activities.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the pdfmoz_onmouse function processes mouse events on PDF documents rendered through the MuPDF plugin. The flaw manifests when the plugin fails to properly validate input data from web pages, particularly mouse event coordinates and related parameters that are passed to the function. This inadequate bounds checking allows attackers to overflow the allocated stack buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which directly enables attackers to manipulate program execution flow and inject malicious code into the target system.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to web users since it can be exploited through ordinary web browsing activities without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. Attackers can craft specially designed web pages containing malformed PDF content that triggers the buffer overflow when the MuPDF plugin attempts to process mouse events on the embedded documents. The remote exploitation capability means that victims do not need to download or execute any files locally, making this attack vector particularly insidious. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the Firefox browser process, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected MuPDF plugin to version 2008.09.03 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should implement browser security measures including disabling the MuPDF plugin when not actively needed, employing content security policies that restrict PDF handling, and maintaining updated browser versions that include security patches. From an operational security perspective, network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious PDF content, while security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this specific vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for both preventive measures and incident response capabilities to address potential exploitation attempts.