CVE-2017-20144 in PDFMate PDF Converter Pro
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2022
A vulnerability has been found in Anvsoft PDFMate PDF Converter Pro 1.7.5.0 and classified as critical. The manipulation leads to memory corruption. The attack can be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2026
This critical vulnerability in Anvsoft PDFMate PDF Converter Pro version 1.7.5.0 represents a severe memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution through network-based attacks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management practices within the PDF conversion processing engine, creating opportunities for malicious actors to craft specially crafted PDF files that trigger buffer overflows or heap corruption during document parsing operations. The remote exploitability aspect means attackers can deliver malicious payloads through web downloads, email attachments, or file sharing platforms without requiring local system access, making the attack surface particularly wide-ranging and dangerous.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability likely involves improper handling of malformed PDF objects, excessive memory allocation for certain PDF features, or inadequate bounds checking during parsing operations. When the application processes crafted PDF content, the memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running process, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. This type of vulnerability typically maps to CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow or CWE-787 out-of-bounds write conditions that are commonly exploited in exploit frameworks targeting office productivity software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual user devices to enterprise environments where PDF processing is common across multiple applications and systems. Organizations using this software for document conversion, archiving, or automated processing workflows face significant risk from potential exploitation, particularly in environments with limited network segmentation or outdated security controls. The public disclosure of the exploit increases the likelihood of widespread compromise as threat actors can readily implement automated scanning and exploitation tools against vulnerable installations.
Security mitigation strategies should include immediate software updates to patched versions, network-based intrusion detection system signatures for known exploit patterns, and application whitelisting controls that restrict execution of potentially vulnerable PDF processing applications. Organizations should also implement strict email filtering and web proxy controls to prevent automatic download and execution of potentially malicious PDF files. The vulnerability aligns with attack techniques documented in the mitre ATT&CK framework under initial access and execution phases, specifically targeting software supply chain vulnerabilities and exploitation of common office productivity software that remains widely deployed across enterprise networks.