CVE-2011-4220 in SlimPDF Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Investintech.com SlimPDF Reader does not properly restrict the arguments to unspecified function calls, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4220 affects Investintech.com SlimPDF Reader, a PDF viewing application that fails to properly validate and restrict arguments passed to unspecified function calls within its processing pipeline. This weakness represents a classic buffer overflow or injection vulnerability that stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms. The flaw exists in the application's PDF parsing logic where it does not sufficiently validate the parameters of function calls that occur during document processing, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate the execution flow through crafted PDF files. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of improper input validation and insufficient argument sanitization, making it particularly dangerous for remote exploitation scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to construct specially crafted PDF documents that contain malformed arguments or parameters designed to trigger unexpected behavior in the SlimPDF Reader application. When the vulnerable application processes these malicious documents, it executes function calls with unvalidated arguments that can overwrite memory locations, alter program execution flow, or invoke unintended code paths. This particular weakness aligns with CWE-707, which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in a different context, and CWE-121, which covers stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The vulnerability's exploitation potential extends beyond simple denial of service to include arbitrary code execution, making it a critical security concern for any system running the affected software.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2011-4220 can be severe for organizations relying on SlimPDF Reader for document processing or viewing. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to cause application crashes that result in service disruption, or more dangerously, execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors within the network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly attractive for automated attack campaigns. The attack surface is broad as any user who opens a malicious PDF document could be compromised, potentially affecting endpoints, servers, or networked devices that process PDF content.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through official vendor patches or updates that address the argument validation and function call handling within the SlimPDF Reader application. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of systems running the vulnerable software, while also deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious PDF content. Security monitoring should be enhanced to identify unusual application behavior or crash patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through malicious file formats, and T1489, covering denial of service attacks. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other PDF processing applications or document handling systems within the organization's infrastructure.