CVE-2015-1225 in Chrome
Summary
by MITRE
PDFium, as used in Google Chrome before 41.0.2272.76, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1225 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within PDFium, the PDF rendering library that powers Google Chrome's document handling capabilities. This vulnerability specifically affects Chrome versions prior to 41.0.2272.76, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by remote attackers to disrupt normal system operations. The flaw manifests as an improper memory access pattern that occurs when processing maliciously crafted PDF documents, potentially leading to system instability and denial of service conditions. The vulnerability's classification as an out-of-bounds read indicates that the PDFium library fails to properly validate memory access boundaries when parsing PDF content, allowing attackers to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of PDF document structures that trigger improper memory handling within the PDFium component. When Chrome processes a specially crafted PDF file, the PDFium library attempts to access memory regions that have not been properly allocated or validated, resulting in an out-of-bounds read condition. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations. The attack vector remains unspecified in the original description, suggesting that multiple PDF parsing scenarios could trigger the flaw, making it particularly dangerous as it could be exploited through various document formats and content structures. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and memory management within the PDF rendering pipeline, where the library does not adequately protect against malformed input data.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1225 extends beyond simple denial of service, as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within the broader context of the attacker's methodology. When a successful out-of-bounds read occurs, it can lead to system crashes, application instability, and potentially provide attackers with information about memory layout that could be leveraged in subsequent exploitation attempts. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of malicious documents to achieve system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in Chrome's PDF processing pipeline creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited in phishing campaigns, drive-by downloads, or other social engineering attacks where attackers deliver malicious PDF content to victim systems. Organizations relying on Chrome for document viewing are particularly vulnerable, as the flaw exists within a core browser component that is frequently accessed by users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1225 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patch management procedures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Google Chrome version 41.0.2272.76 or later, where the PDFium library has been patched to properly validate memory access boundaries. Security administrators should implement comprehensive patch management protocols to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additionally, organizations can deploy network-based security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious PDF content, though these measures provide only partial protection as the vulnerability exists within the browser itself. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current security patches and the risks associated with running outdated software components. Organizations should also consider implementing browser hardening techniques, including disabling PDF viewing capabilities in web browsers where possible, and utilizing sandboxing technologies that limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the critical need for robust input validation and memory safety practices in software libraries that handle untrusted data, particularly in widely deployed components like PDF rendering engines.