CVE-2024-27340 in Power PDF
Summary
by MITRE • 04/03/2024
Kofax Power PDF PDF File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow 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 PDF files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-22926.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2025
The CVE-2024-27340 vulnerability represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw in Kofax Power PDF software that enables remote code execution through PDF file parsing operations. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory safety and document processing, where the application fails to properly validate input data lengths before copying user-supplied content into fixed-size heap buffers. The flaw specifically manifests during the parsing of PDF files, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently encounter and open PDF documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue means that attackers can exploit it without requiring local system access, making it a significant threat to organizations relying on PDF processing capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the PDF parsing engine of Kofax Power PDF. When processing PDF files, the application receives user-supplied data that should be validated against predetermined buffer sizes before memory copying operations occur. The absence of proper input validation creates a scenario where maliciously crafted PDF content can overflow the designated heap buffer space, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations and corrupting program execution flow. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction through visiting malicious web pages or opening crafted PDF files, making it a typical attack vector for phishing campaigns or social engineering operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-27340 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration scenarios. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Kofax Power PDF process, which typically runs with the privileges of the user who opened the malicious document. This could enable attackers to install backdoors, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can target users across networks without requiring physical access to the systems, making it particularly attractive for large-scale attacks. Organizations using Kofax Power PDF in enterprise environments face significant risk as this vulnerability could be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to sensitive business documents and confidential data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-27340 should focus on immediate patching of affected Kofax Power PDF installations, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. System administrators should prioritize updating to the latest versions of Kofax Power PDF that contain fixes for the heap buffer overflow vulnerability. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of protection by blocking access to known malicious PDF files and suspicious web content. Organizations should also implement user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of opening PDF files from untrusted sources and the importance of verifying document origins before processing. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter), highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both network-level protections and endpoint security controls. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in document processing applications, particularly those handling untrusted content from external sources.