CVE-2017-14927 in Poppler
Summary
by MITRE
In Poppler 0.59.0, a NULL Pointer Dereference exists in the SplashOutputDev::type3D0() function in SplashOutputDev.cc via a crafted PDF document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14927 represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw within the Poppler PDF rendering library version 0.59.0. This issue manifests specifically within the SplashOutputDev::type3D0() function located in the SplashOutputDev.cc source file, creating a potential denial of service condition that could be exploited through maliciously crafted PDF documents. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and error handling mechanisms within the PDF parsing and rendering pipeline, particularly when processing Type 3 font objects that are commonly used in PDF documents for custom font rendering.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a PDF document contains malformed or specially crafted Type 3 font data that triggers the type3D0() function without proper initialization of required pointers. This flaw falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions, making it a direct implementation of a well-known software security weakness pattern. When the vulnerable code path is executed, the application attempts to dereference a null pointer that should have been properly validated or initialized, leading to an application crash or unexpected termination. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through simple PDF document manipulation without requiring any special privileges or user interaction beyond opening the document.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on Poppler for PDF processing, including web applications, document management systems, and security scanning tools. The null pointer dereference can lead to complete application crashes, effectively causing denial of service conditions that may impact legitimate users and potentially allowing attackers to perform persistent service disruption attacks. The vulnerability affects systems where Poppler is used as a backend component for PDF rendering, including web browsers, document viewers, and automated PDF processing services. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where PDF handling is automated or integrated into critical business processes.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14927 should prioritize immediate patching of Poppler to versions that contain the necessary fixes for the null pointer dereference issue. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as input validation for PDF documents, sandboxing of PDF processing components, and monitoring for unusual application behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper error handling and input sanitization within applications that utilize Poppler can provide additional layers of protection. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of how improper error handling in rendering libraries can lead to denial of service conditions. Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that all components utilizing Poppler remain protected against similar issues that may arise from similar coding flaws in the rendering pipeline.