CVE-2017-5853 in PoDoFo
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in base/PdfParser.cpp in PoDoFo 0.9.4 allows remote attackers to have unspecified impact via a crafted file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5853 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the PoDoFo PDF processing library version 0.9.4. This issue resides in the base/PdfParser.cpp component which handles PDF file parsing operations. The vulnerability manifests when processing specially crafted PDF files that contain malformed integer values, leading to potential memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. Integer overflow conditions occur when arithmetic operations exceed the maximum value that can be represented by the target integer type, causing unexpected behavior in the application's memory management and control flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves manipulating PDF structures that contain oversized or malformed integer values during parsing operations. When PoDoFo attempts to process these crafted inputs, the integer overflow can result in buffer overflows, memory corruption, or unexpected program termination. The impact remains unspecified due to the complexity of how different systems handle overflow conditions, but the potential consequences include denial of service, information disclosure, or remote code execution depending on the execution environment and memory layout. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to severe security implications in parsing libraries.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5853 extends beyond simple exploitation scenarios to encompass broader security risks for applications that rely on PoDoFo for PDF processing. Systems utilizing this library for document handling, validation, or conversion become vulnerable to remote attacks when processing untrusted PDF content, particularly in web applications, email systems, or document management platforms. Attackers can craft malicious PDF files that trigger the overflow condition when opened or processed by vulnerable applications, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities through crafted input, and represents a common attack vector in PDF-based security breaches.
Organizations using PoDoFo version 0.9.4 should prioritize immediate remediation through library updates to version 0.9.5 or later, which contains fixes for this integer overflow condition. Additionally, implementing input validation measures, sandboxing PDF processing operations, and employing strict file format validation can provide additional defensive layers. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious PDF file handling activities should be considered as part of comprehensive security strategies. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper integer handling in security-sensitive applications and underscores the need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments in document processing frameworks.