CVE-2022-38784 in Poppler
Summary
by MITRE • 08/30/2022
Poppler prior to and including 22.08.0 contains an integer overflow in the JBIG2 decoder (JBIG2Stream::readTextRegionSeg() in JBIGStream.cc). Processing a specially crafted PDF file or JBIG2 image could lead to a crash or the execution of arbitrary code. This is similar to the vulnerability described by CVE-2022-38171 in Xpdf.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-38784 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the Poppler PDF rendering library, specifically affecting versions prior to and including 22.08.0. This issue resides in the JBIG2 decoder component, namely within the JBIG2Stream::readTextRegionSeg() function located in JBIGStream.cc. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and arithmetic overflow handling when processing JBIG2 encoded data streams, creating a potential avenue for remote code execution or system crashes. The vulnerability manifests when the library processes specially crafted PDF files or standalone JBIG2 image files that contain maliciously constructed data structures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves an integer overflow condition that occurs during the parsing of JBIG2 text region segments. When the JBIG2 decoder attempts to calculate memory allocation sizes or buffer boundaries based on malformed input parameters, the arithmetic operations exceed the maximum representable value for the integer data type, resulting in unexpected behavior. This overflow condition can cause the application to allocate insufficient memory, leading to buffer overflows, or to perform invalid memory operations that may trigger segmentation faults or more severe system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the decoding layer where arbitrary input data is processed without adequate bounds checking.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations that rely on Poppler for PDF processing, document rendering, or content extraction services. The impact extends beyond simple application crashes to potentially enable remote code execution, making it a critical threat vector for web applications, document management systems, and automated processing pipelines that handle untrusted PDF content. Attackers could craft malicious PDF files or JBIG2 images that, when opened or processed by vulnerable applications, would trigger the integer overflow and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users can upload or download PDF documents, as it could enable attackers to compromise systems through social engineering or automated exploitation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1203, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. Organizations utilizing Poppler for PDF processing should immediately implement mitigations including updating to version 22.08.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the integer overflow in the JBIG2 decoder. Additionally, implementing input validation measures, sandboxing PDF processing environments, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems can help reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability's similarity to CVE-2022-38171 in Xpdf indicates a broader pattern of integer overflow issues in JBIG2 decoding implementations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security reviews of image and document processing libraries. Security teams should prioritize patching this vulnerability as part of their regular maintenance schedules, particularly in environments handling sensitive document processing or user-uploaded content.