CVE-2017-15587 in MuPDF
Summary
by MITRE
An integer overflow was discovered in pdf_read_new_xref_section in pdf/pdf-xref.c in Artifex MuPDF 1.11.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15587 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the Artifex MuPDF library version 1.11, specifically affecting the pdf_read_new_xref_section function in the pdf/pdf-xref.c source file. This flaw occurs during the processing of PDF cross-reference sections, which are essential components that map object numbers to their respective locations within PDF files. The integer overflow manifests when the application attempts to calculate memory allocation sizes based on user-supplied data from malformed PDF documents, creating a scenario where legitimate input can trigger unexpected behavior in the memory management subsystem.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and arithmetic overflow handling within the PDF parsing logic. When MuPDF encounters a specially crafted PDF file containing malformed cross-reference data, the pdf_read_new_xref_section function processes this data without proper bounds checking on integer values that determine memory allocation parameters. This allows an attacker to manipulate the size calculations in such a way that the resulting integer value exceeds the maximum representable value for the data type, causing the overflow to wrap around to a much smaller value. The resulting under-sized memory allocation creates a buffer that is insufficient for the actual data that needs to be stored, leading to potential memory corruption and arbitrary code execution possibilities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to systems that process untrusted PDF documents, particularly those running MuPDF-based applications such as mobile devices, web browsers, document viewers, and enterprise document management systems. The impact extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as the integer overflow can potentially lead to remote code execution when combined with other exploitation techniques. Systems that automatically process PDF attachments, render PDF documents in web browsers, or handle document uploads from untrusted sources are particularly vulnerable to this flaw, making it a high-priority concern for organizations managing document processing workflows. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with attack patterns categorized under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and code execution tactics, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary code through memory corruption techniques.
The security implications of CVE-2017-15587 are further compounded by its classification under CWE-190, which identifies integer overflow and underflow vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in software design. This classification indicates that the vulnerability represents a systemic issue in how integer arithmetic is handled within the application's PDF parsing logic, rather than an isolated incident. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of MuPDF, implementing strict input validation for PDF documents, and deploying network segmentation controls to limit exposure. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper software security practices such as input sanitization, memory safety checks, and regular security assessments to prevent similar flaws from occurring in other components of the software stack. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of PDF processing capabilities to ensure that similar integer overflow conditions have been addressed throughout the codebase, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader security design weaknesses that may affect other components of the same software system.