CVE-2024-27338 in Power PDF
Summary
by MITRE • 04/03/2024
Kofax Power PDF app response Out-Of-Bounds Read 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 implementation of the app.response method. 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 vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-22588.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The CVE-2024-27338 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw in the Kofax Power PDF application that exposes users to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability specifically targets the app.response method implementation where insufficient input validation allows malicious data to trigger memory access violations. The flaw exists within the application's handling of user-supplied data during response processing, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory operations beyond allocated boundaries. Security researchers have identified this issue as a direct consequence of inadequate boundary checking mechanisms within the PDF processing framework, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of PDF documents in enterprise environments. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution threat means that attackers can compromise systems without requiring physical access, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on document processing applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of user-supplied data within the app.response method, which operates as part of the PDF document parsing and response generation process. When the application processes malicious PDF files or web content containing crafted payloads, the lack of proper bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory pointers and access data beyond intended buffer limits. This out-of-bounds read condition creates opportunities for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the application's memory space, effectively elevating privileges to the context of the running process. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction through visiting malicious web pages or opening compromised PDF documents, making it particularly insidious as it can be delivered through social engineering campaigns or compromised websites. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" which is categorized under the broader class of memory safety issues affecting software applications that fail to properly validate input data boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-27338 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass complete system compromise potential within affected environments. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive documents, extract confidential information, deploy additional malware, or establish persistent backdoors within network infrastructure. The remote nature of exploitation means that organizations cannot rely solely on network segmentation or firewall rules to protect against this threat, as the vulnerability can be triggered through web browsing activities or document attachments. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where PDF processing is common, including legal departments, financial institutions, and government agencies that handle sensitive documentation. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that PDF documents can be delivered through multiple vectors including email attachments, web downloads, and file sharing platforms, making comprehensive protection challenging for security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27338 should prioritize immediate patch application from Kofax, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should implement strict content filtering measures to prevent access to suspicious PDF files and web content, particularly in high-risk environments such as those handling classified information. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual outbound connections or anomalous PDF processing activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict PDF processing to trusted applications and versions only, while also deploying sandboxing techniques for PDF document handling. According to ATT&CK framework methodologies, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059.007: "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1203: "Exploitation for Client Execution" which emphasize the need for layered defenses including endpoint detection and response capabilities. Regular security assessments should include vulnerability scanning for similar memory safety issues, and incident response procedures should be updated to address potential exploitation scenarios involving PDF processing applications. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that leverage this vulnerability through malicious file delivery mechanisms.