CVE-2014-2383 in dompdf
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2023
dompdf.php in dompdf before 0.6.1, when DOMPDF_ENABLE_PHP is enabled, allows context-dependent attackers to bypass chroot protections and read arbitrary files via a PHP protocol and wrappers in the input_file parameter, as demonstrated by a php://filter/read=convert.base64-encode/resource in the input_file parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2383 represents a critical security flaw in the dompdf library version 0.6.1 and earlier, specifically affecting the dompdf.php component when the DOMPDF_ENABLE_PHP configuration option is enabled. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and improper handling of file access requests within the library's processing pipeline. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that exploits the PHP protocol and wrapper functionality to circumvent established security boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the input_file parameter to include PHP protocol wrappers such as php://filter/read=convert.base64-encode/resource. This technique allows malicious actors to bypass the intended chroot protection mechanisms that are designed to contain file access within specific directories. The flaw exists because the dompdf library fails to properly sanitize or validate the input parameters when PHP execution is enabled, creating an avenue for arbitrary file reading. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", and more specifically aligns with CWE-23 "Relative Path Traversal" and CWE-94 "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')".
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within affected systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the server, including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data stored within the web server's file system. The ability to bypass chroot protections means that even systems with restricted file access permissions can be compromised, as the vulnerability allows reading files outside of the intended document root. This presents a significant risk to web applications that rely on dompdf for generating PDF documents from HTML content, particularly in environments where user input is processed without proper sanitization. The vulnerability can be exploited by context-dependent attackers who have access to the application's input parameters, making it particularly dangerous in web-facing applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to address the root cause and implement comprehensive security controls. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to dompdf version 0.6.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent the exploitation of protocol wrappers. Organizations should disable DOMPDF_ENABLE_PHP functionality when it is not strictly required, as this feature significantly increases the attack surface. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization at all levels of the application stack, including the use of allowlists for permitted file operations, can provide defense in depth. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls and proper access controls should be implemented to monitor and restrict potentially malicious file access patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" through the exploitation of PHP execution capabilities, though the specific technique is more accurately represented as T1566.002 "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" or T1059.006 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" in attack scenarios involving document processing vulnerabilities.