CVE-2020-6093 in Nitro Pro
Summary
by MITRE
An exploitable information disclosure vulnerability exists in the way Nitro Pro 13.9.1.155 does XML error handling. A specially crafted PDF document can cause uninitialized memory access resulting in information disclosure. In order to trigger this vulnerability, victim must open a malicious file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-6093 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Nitro Pro version 13.9.1.155, specifically in its XML error handling mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the category of uninitialized memory access, a common class of software defects that can lead to sensitive data exposure. The flaw manifests when the application processes specially crafted PDF documents that contain malformed XML structures, causing the software to attempt to read from memory locations that have not been properly initialized. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can expose confidential information stored in the application's memory space, potentially including user data, system credentials, or proprietary information. The vulnerability is classified as an information disclosure issue under CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of information to unauthorized actors through improper handling of memory or data structures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a specific attack vector where a victim must open a maliciously crafted PDF file that contains XML elements designed to trigger the uninitialized memory access condition. When Nitro Pro attempts to parse and handle the XML error within the malicious document, the application fails to properly initialize memory before accessing it, resulting in the disclosure of whatever data happens to be present in those memory locations at the time of access. This memory access pattern can potentially reveal sensitive information from other processes, system memory segments, or previously processed data within the application's memory space. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and memory management practices, where the software does not adequately sanitize or validate XML content before processing it, leading to the exposure of uninitialized memory contents. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Nitro Pro is commonly used for document processing and collaboration, as it could potentially be exploited to access confidential business information or user data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a potential pathway for attackers to gather intelligence about the target system and its users. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially obtain sensitive information that could be used for further attacks, including credential harvesting, system reconnaissance, or targeted social engineering campaigns. The attack requires user interaction, making it a client-side exploit that relies on social engineering to deliver the malicious payload, but once executed, it can provide attackers with access to information that may not be directly visible through other attack vectors. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in document processing applications, as XML parsing is a common operation that can be leveraged to trigger memory-related issues. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it can be used to establish a foothold for further exploitation through the information gathered from the uninitialized memory access. Organizations using Nitro Pro should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where document handling is a critical function.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-6093 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution is to update to a patched version of Nitro Pro that addresses the uninitialized memory access issue in XML error handling. Organizations should also implement strict document validation policies that scan and filter PDF files before they are opened in Nitro Pro, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted documents. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help prevent the delivery of malicious PDF files to users. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of untrusted PDF files, and regular security awareness training should be provided to users to help them recognize potentially malicious documents. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices, particularly around memory management and input validation, which should be integrated into the development lifecycle to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar memory-related issues in other document processing applications they may use.