CVE-2024-25262 in texlive-bin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/29/2024
texlive-bin commit c515e was discovered to contain heap buffer overflow via the function ttfLoadHDMX:ttfdump. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via supplying a crafted TTF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-25262 represents a critical heap buffer overflow flaw within the texlive-bin package at commit c515e, specifically within the ttfLoadHDMX function of the ttfdump utility. This issue arises from insufficient input validation when processing TrueType Font files, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted font data can trigger memory corruption. The vulnerability exists in the handling of horizontal device metrics tables within TTF files, which are commonly used for font rendering and display across various operating systems and applications. The flaw manifests when the ttfdump utility attempts to parse and process the hdmx table structure, which contains device-specific horizontal metrics for different font sizes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the ttfLoadHDMX function, which is responsible for loading horizontal device metrics from TrueType font files. When a crafted TTF file containing malformed hdmx table data is processed, the function fails to properly bounds-check array accesses, leading to memory corruption in the heap allocation space. This heap buffer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to either cause application crashes, leading to denial of service conditions, or potentially execute arbitrary code if the memory corruption affects critical program structures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through normal font processing operations, making it accessible to attackers who might embed malicious fonts in documents, web content, or other media that utilizes font rendering.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-25262 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it represents a potential vector for more sophisticated attacks within environments that process untrusted font data. Systems utilizing texlive-bin for document processing, font conversion, or rendering operations become vulnerable to this flaw, particularly when processing documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability affects applications that rely on the ttfdump utility for font analysis, which includes various LaTeX document processors, font management tools, and automated document conversion systems. Organizations running servers or applications that process font files from external sources, such as web applications serving user-generated content or document processing pipelines, face elevated risk of exploitation. The nature of the vulnerability means that even legitimate font files could potentially be corrupted or manipulated to trigger the flaw, making detection and prevention challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-25262 should focus on immediate patching of affected texlive-bin installations to address the heap buffer overflow in the ttfLoadHDMX function. System administrators should prioritize updating their texlive-bin packages to versions that contain fixed implementations of the ttfdump utility and proper bounds checking for hdmx table processing. Additionally, implementing input validation measures that restrict font file processing to known good formats and sizes can provide defense-in-depth protection. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of systems that process untrusted font data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a potential ATT&CK technique under T1203, Exploitation for Execution, when exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for abnormal font processing activities and establishing incident response procedures specifically addressing font-based vulnerabilities to ensure rapid response to any exploitation attempts.