CVE-2023-37348 in Power PDF
Summary
by MITRE • 05/04/2024
Kofax Power PDF U3D File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Kofax Power PDF. 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. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a write past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-20445.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2025
The CVE-2023-37348 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in Kofax Power PDF's handling of U3D files, which are three-dimensional computer graphics formats commonly used in document processing applications. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write classification, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. The vulnerability specifically manifests during the parsing of U3D file structures, which are embedded within PDF documents to provide interactive 3D content. When Kofax Power PDF processes these files without adequate input validation, it creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code within the application's security context. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning that targets must either visit a malicious webpage hosting the crafted U3D file or open a malicious PDF document containing the vulnerable content. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain execution privileges. The remote code execution capability stems from the fact that U3D file parsing occurs within the PDF viewer's memory space, allowing attackers to leverage the buffer overflow to overwrite critical memory regions including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that U3D files are often embedded within legitimate PDF documents, making them difficult to detect through traditional security measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a malicious U3D file that contains oversized data structures or malformed buffer sizes that exceed the allocated memory boundaries during parsing operations. When the vulnerable application attempts to process the crafted file, the lack of proper input validation causes it to write data beyond the intended buffer limits, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the application's process space. The attack surface is particularly concerning because PDF viewers are commonly used applications that process files from untrusted sources, and U3D files can be seamlessly embedded within PDF documents without raising immediate suspicion. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The ZDI-CAN-20445 reference indicates this vulnerability was identified and tracked through the Zero Day Initiative's vulnerability disclosure program, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community.
Organizations using Kofax Power PDF should immediately implement mitigations to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary defense mechanism involves applying the vendor's official security patches as soon as they become available, which typically address the buffer overflow by implementing proper bounds checking and input validation. Network-based mitigations can include filtering U3D file types at perimeter defenses, though this approach may impact legitimate document processing workflows. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can restrict execution of untrusted PDF files, while sandboxing PDF viewers can contain potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's requirement for user interaction means that security awareness training becomes crucial for preventing successful exploitation through social engineering attacks. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious memory access patterns and buffer overflow behaviors. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability may trigger requirements under various security frameworks including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and ISO 27001 standards, which mandate timely vulnerability remediation and risk management procedures. The ATT&CK framework's T1068 technique for exploit for privilege escalation should be monitored for potential misuse of this vulnerability. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other document processing applications and ensure comprehensive security coverage across the organization's attack surface.