CVE-2013-3552 in Nitro Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Nitro Pro 7.5.0.29 and earlier and Nitro Reader 2.5.0.45 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3552 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Nitro Pro and Nitro Reader software versions up to 7.5.0.29 and 2.5.0.45 respectively. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the PDF processing engine of these applications, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to craft specially designed PDF files capable of executing arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The flaw exists in the way these applications handle malformed PDF structures during document parsing and rendering processes, particularly when processing specific embedded objects or JavaScript elements within PDF files.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-78, which covers improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. Attackers can exploit this weakness by preparing a malicious PDF file containing crafted payloads that trigger buffer overflow conditions or code injection mechanisms within the Nitro applications. When a user opens such a crafted PDF file, the application's PDF parser fails to properly validate the document structure, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application process. This represents a classic sandbox escape vulnerability where the application's security boundaries are bypassed through improper input handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3552 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited successfully. An attacker who gains control through this vulnerability can potentially install malware, steal sensitive data, establish persistence mechanisms, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects both desktop applications and their associated document processing capabilities, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these applications are commonly used for document sharing and collaboration. The attack vector requires only that a user open a malicious PDF file, making social engineering attacks particularly effective in exploiting this weakness.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory software updates to versions that address this vulnerability, network segmentation to limit access to potentially vulnerable systems, and user education to avoid opening untrusted PDF files. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, which covers Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute commands and scripts on compromised systems. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, configuring sandboxed environments for PDF processing, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious PDF-related network activity. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure all instances of the affected software are properly patched and updated according to vendor security advisories.