CVE-2017-2822 in Control
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable code execution vulnerability exists in the image rendering functionality of Lexmark Perceptive Document Filters 11.3.0.2400. A specifically crafted PDF can cause a function call on a corrupted DCTStream to occur, resulting in user controlled data being written to the stack. A maliciously crafted PDF file can be used to trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2822 represents a critical code execution flaw within Lexmark Perceptive Document Filters version 11.3.0.2400, specifically targeting the image rendering component responsible for processing PDF documents. This vulnerability falls under the category of buffer overflow conditions where improper input validation leads to memory corruption during document processing operations. The flaw manifests when the system attempts to render PDF files containing specially crafted malicious content that manipulates the DCTStream parsing mechanism. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during memory allocation and data handling operations, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully constructed PDF file that triggers a function call on a corrupted DCTStream object within the document processing pipeline. When the Lexmark document filter attempts to render the malicious PDF, it encounters malformed DCTStream data that causes the system to execute unintended code paths. The vulnerability specifically targets stack memory regions where user-controlled data is written during the rendering process, creating a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage application flaws to execute arbitrary code through crafted input data. The flaw demonstrates a lack of proper input sanitization and memory boundary validation, allowing attackers to manipulate the program execution flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2822 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Organizations utilizing Lexmark Perceptive Document Filters in document processing environments face significant risk exposure, particularly in scenarios where the system processes untrusted PDF documents from external sources. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without physical access, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. Security analysts should consider this vulnerability as part of broader exploitation chains that could lead to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or persistent access within corporate networks. The flaw represents a critical weakness in document processing security controls that organizations must address immediately.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2822 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Lexmark, as the vendor has likely released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to document processing systems and establish strict input validation policies for PDF files. Security teams should deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious PDF patterns and consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for PDF processing to contain potential exploits. Additionally, regular security assessments should include vulnerability scanning for similar flaws in document processing software, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management in document rendering systems. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of patches to ensure they do not introduce regressions in legitimate document processing functionality while maintaining the security improvements necessary to protect against exploitation.