CVE-2024-27330 in PDF-XChange Editor
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2024
PDF-XChange Editor EMF File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Read Information Disclosure Vulnerability. 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 EMF files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated object. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-22286.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2025
The CVE-2024-27330 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within PDF-XChange Editor's handling of EMF (Enhanced Metafile) files, classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition. This vulnerability exists in the software's file parsing mechanism where insufficient input validation permits maliciously crafted EMF files to trigger memory access violations that can lead to information disclosure. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes EMF files without proper bounds checking, allowing an attacker to read memory locations beyond the intended data boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that are commonly exploited in modern exploit chains and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting languages, though in this case the execution vector involves file parsing rather than script execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the EMF file parsing phase where PDF-XChange Editor fails to validate the size and structure of incoming EMF data before attempting to read from memory locations. When processing a malformed EMF file, the application's parser does not properly check array bounds or buffer limits, enabling an attacker to craft a malicious file that causes the program to read beyond allocated memory regions. This out-of-bounds read can potentially expose sensitive information from adjacent memory locations including stack contents, heap data, or other process memory segments that may contain credentials, encryption keys, or other confidential data. The vulnerability's classification as an information disclosure issue means that while it may not directly enable remote code execution on its own, it can provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that could be leveraged in combination with other vulnerabilities to achieve more severe outcomes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it creates a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through web-based delivery methods where users must visit malicious websites or open compromised files, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks. The requirement for user interaction means that social engineering becomes a critical component of exploitation, but once a user interacts with the malicious content, the vulnerability can be leveraged to potentially escalate privileges or gain access to sensitive system information. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where PDF-XChange Editor is commonly used for document processing and review, as it could provide attackers with access to confidential business documents or system information that could be used for further attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27330 should prioritize immediate software updates from the vendor to address the underlying parsing flaw in EMF file handling. Organizations should implement network-level controls to block or inspect EMF files, particularly those from untrusted sources, and consider deploying sandboxing solutions to isolate PDF processing activities. Security teams should also monitor for suspicious file downloads or web traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments of document processing systems can help reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability's classification under ZDI-CAN-22286 indicates it has been recognized by the security community and proper patch management procedures should be followed to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary security updates as soon as they become available.