CVE-2024-3248 in Xpdf
Summary
by MITRE • 04/03/2024
In Xpdf 4.05 (and earlier), a PDF object loop in the attachments leads to infinite recursion and a stack overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3248 affects Xpdf version 4.05 and earlier, representing a critical stack overflow condition that arises from improper handling of PDF object loops within attachments. This flaw manifests when the PDF parser encounters a circular reference structure in attachment objects, causing the recursive parsing function to execute indefinitely. The vulnerability specifically targets the internal object resolution mechanism within the Xpdf library, where attachment objects contain references that point back to themselves or create circular dependency chains, leading to unbounded recursion. The flaw exists in the core parsing logic that processes PDF attachment data structures, particularly affecting the way the software handles object references during the rendering or analysis phase of PDF files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a lack of proper loop detection mechanisms within the PDF object graph traversal algorithm. When Xpdf encounters an attachment object with circular references, the parser's recursive function calls continue indefinitely until the system stack is exhausted, resulting in a stack overflow condition. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-674, which specifically addresses uncontrolled recursion in software systems. The recursive parsing behavior is particularly problematic because it occurs during normal PDF processing operations, meaning that any user who opens a maliciously crafted PDF file containing such attachment loops could trigger the vulnerability without requiring special privileges or complex attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it creates potential for more severe security consequences depending on the execution environment. When the stack overflow occurs, it typically results in application crash or termination, effectively causing a denial of service condition for users attempting to process PDF files. However, in environments where Xpdf is used as a backend component for automated PDF processing or in server applications, this vulnerability could be exploited to disrupt critical services or potentially enable more sophisticated attacks if combined with other vulnerabilities. The vulnerability affects both desktop and server deployments of Xpdf, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on this library for PDF handling operations. The stack overflow condition also provides potential for information disclosure or memory corruption scenarios, especially in systems where memory layout is not properly protected against stack-based buffer overflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-3248 should focus on immediate patching of affected Xpdf versions to 4.06 or later, which includes proper loop detection and recursion limit mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict input validation for PDF files, particularly those received from external sources or untrusted parties, by employing sandboxed environments or dedicated PDF processing appliances. The implementation of stack depth monitoring and recursive call limiting mechanisms within PDF processing applications can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious PDF file patterns and monitor for potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1499 (Endpoint Denial of Service), highlighting the need for both preventive measures and detection capabilities. System administrators should also review and update their incident response procedures to account for potential stack overflow exploitation scenarios, ensuring that appropriate monitoring and alerting mechanisms are in place to detect abnormal application behavior or service disruptions related to PDF processing functions.