CVE-2022-42376 in PDF-XChange Editor
Summary
by MITRE • 01/26/2023
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of PDF-XChange Editor. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of U3D files. Crafted data in a U3D file can trigger a read past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-18529.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2025
CVE-2022-42376 represents a critical buffer over-read vulnerability affecting PDF-XChange Editor software that falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions. This vulnerability manifests during the parsing of Universal 3D (U3D) files, a three-dimensional graphics format commonly used within PDF documents for embedding 3D content. The flaw occurs when the application processes malformed U3D data structures that exceed the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially leading to information disclosure and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios where users might inadvertently open malicious files or navigate to compromised web pages containing crafted U3D content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a predictable pattern where an attacker crafts a malicious U3D file containing oversized data structures that cause the PDF-XChange Editor to read beyond allocated memory boundaries. This buffer over-read condition can expose sensitive data from adjacent memory locations, potentially revealing passwords, encryption keys, or other confidential information stored in the application's memory space. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for execution through script-based languages and T1068 for local privilege escalation, as the successful exploitation could provide attackers with elevated privileges within the application context. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its potential to serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as demonstrated by its relationship to other exploitation techniques that could leverage the information disclosure for further compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-42376 extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full system compromise potential, particularly in environments where PDF-XChange Editor is used for document review and collaboration. Organizations utilizing this software for processing sensitive documents face significant risk, as the vulnerability could be exploited to access confidential business data, intellectual property, or personal information stored within U3D embedded content. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector means that threat actors can potentially compromise systems without physical access, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments with extensive document sharing practices. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with the broader category of file format parsing vulnerabilities that have historically been exploited in targeted attacks against government and corporate entities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-42376 should prioritize immediate software updates from the vendor, as the vulnerability affects a specific component within the PDF-XChange Editor ecosystem. Organizations should implement network-level controls to block U3D file types where possible, particularly in environments where the software is used for processing external documents. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious file attachments and web navigation, as the vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and information disclosure events, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to scan for malicious U3D content. The vulnerability's relationship to ZDI-CAN-18529 indicates that it was properly reported and addressed through coordinated disclosure channels, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current security patches and following vendor advisories for timely remediation.