CVE-2018-3746 in pdfinfojs
Summary
by MITRE
The pdfinfojs NPM module versions <= 0.3.6 has a command injection vulnerability that allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the victim's machine.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2020
The pdfinfojs npm module vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw that has significant implications for software supply chain security and application integrity. This vulnerability affects versions 0.3.6 and earlier of the pdfinfojs package, which is commonly used to extract metadata from pdf files within node.js applications. The flaw stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the module's command execution mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that get executed on the victim's system with the privileges of the executing process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through seemingly benign pdf file processing operations, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
The technical implementation of this command injection vulnerability occurs when the pdfinfojs module processes pdf files and passes user-supplied data directly into system commands without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This pattern violates fundamental security principles and creates an environment where attacker-controlled input can be interpreted as shell commands. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing commands through the command and scripting interpreter. When an application using pdfinfojs processes a malicious pdf file, the module's internal command execution logic can be manipulated to execute unintended system commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise depending on the execution context and privileges available to the affected application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and persistence establishment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the victim's system, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance violations. The vulnerability's exploitation is particularly concerning in environments where pdf processing is automated or where applications process pdf files from untrusted sources, such as web applications, document management systems, or content processing pipelines. Organizations using affected versions of pdfinfojs are at risk of supply chain attacks where malicious actors compromise npm packages to deliver command injection payloads to unsuspecting users. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices in preventing command injection attacks, as it represents a failure to properly isolate user input from system command execution contexts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to update to patched versions of the pdfinfojs module, as version 0.3.7 and later contain proper input sanitization and command execution safeguards. Organizations should implement comprehensive dependency monitoring and automated security scanning to identify vulnerable packages in their software supply chains. The remediation process involves not only updating the affected module but also conducting thorough security assessments of applications that utilize pdfinfojs to ensure no other command injection vulnerabilities exist within the codebase. Security teams should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while also establishing secure coding guidelines that emphasize proper input validation and parameterization of system calls. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting and sandboxing mechanisms to contain potential command injection attempts, and maintain regular security awareness training to ensure developers understand the risks associated with improper input handling in system command execution contexts.