CVE-2021-38097 in PDF Fusion
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2021
Corel PDF Fusion 2.6.2.0 is affected by an Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability when parsing a crafted file. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious PDF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2021
Corel PDF Fusion 2.6.2.0 contains a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for end users and organizations relying on this document processing software. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted PDF files that contain malformed data structures designed to trigger memory corruption during parsing operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the parsing phase of PDF file handling where the application fails to properly validate array bounds when processing specific PDF elements. When a user opens a specially crafted PDF file, the software attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer, creating an exploitable condition that allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently logged-in user, effectively providing a path for complete system compromise without requiring authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution. The requirement for user interaction through file opening creates a social engineering component that organizations must address through user education and security awareness programs. Attackers can craft malicious PDF files that appear legitimate, tricking users into opening them and thereby executing malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects users who may not have administrative privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users typically operate with standard user accounts.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation by updating to the latest version of Corel PDF Fusion where this vulnerability has been patched, as the vendor has released security updates to address the out-of-bounds write condition. Additionally, implementing defensive measures such as PDF sandboxing, file extension filtering, and user behavior monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious PDF file patterns, while endpoint protection solutions should be updated to include signature-based detection for known malicious PDF samples associated with this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of PDF processing software versions to ensure all systems remain protected against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities.