CVE-2014-2013 in MuPDF
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the xps_parse_color function in xps/xps-common.c in MuPDF 1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a large number of entries in the ContextColor value of the Fill attribute in a Path element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2013 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the MuPDF document processing library version 1.3 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the xps_parse_color function located in the xps/xps-common.c file, which is responsible for parsing color values within XPS (XML Paper Specification) documents. The flaw occurs when processing malformed XPS files containing an excessive number of entries in the ContextColor value of the Fill attribute within a Path element, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent stack memory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the color parsing routine. When MuPDF encounters an XPS document with an unusually large number of color entries in the ContextColor attribute, the xps_parse_color function fails to properly validate the size of the input data before copying it to a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition allows remote attackers to craft malicious XPS documents that, when processed by vulnerable MuPDF versions, can overwrite return addresses and other critical stack data. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution capabilities for attackers who can craft malicious XPS documents and deliver them through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing systems. Any application or system that utilizes MuPDF 1.3 or earlier versions for XPS document processing becomes a potential target for exploitation. This includes enterprise document management systems, web applications serving XPS documents, and any software that embeds MuPDF for document rendering. The vulnerability can be exploited without user interaction once the malicious document is opened, making it particularly dangerous in automated attack scenarios where documents are processed in batch or through web services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate upgrading to MuPDF versions 1.4 or later where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as restricting file type processing, implementing content filtering for XPS documents, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious XPS file patterns. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for document processing and monitoring for unusual file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, indicating that exploitation requires targeting client applications that process XPS documents rather than server-side applications. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure all systems utilizing MuPDF are properly patched and protected against similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in the future.