CVE-2024-48294 in Wondershare
Summary
by MITRE • 11/18/2024
A NULL pointer dereference in the component libPdfCore.dll of Wondershare PDF Reader v1.0.9.2544 allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via a crafted PDF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-48294 represents a critical NULL pointer dereference flaw within the libPdfCore.dll library component of Wondershare PDF Reader version 1.0.9.2544. This issue manifests when the application processes specially crafted PDF files that contain malformed or maliciously constructed data structures. The flaw exists in the library's handling of PDF parsing operations where certain conditional checks fail to properly validate pointer references before dereferencing them, leading to application instability and potential system crashes. The vulnerability specifically impacts the PDF rendering and processing capabilities of the software, creating a scenario where legitimate document processing can be disrupted through controlled input manipulation.
From a technical perspective, this NULL pointer dereference vulnerability operates at the software level where the libPdfCore.dll component fails to implement proper null validation before accessing memory locations. When a crafted PDF file is loaded, the parser encounters specific data sequences that trigger an execution path where a pointer variable remains uninitialized or explicitly set to NULL, yet the application proceeds to dereference this null pointer without proper error handling. This behavior directly aligns with CWE-476 which categorizes NULL pointer dereference as a common programming error that can lead to application crashes and system instability. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input validation and error handling mechanisms within the PDF processing pipeline.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-48294 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors within the context of a broader exploitation framework. While the immediate effect is a denial of service condition that causes the PDF reader application to terminate unexpectedly, this vulnerability could serve as a precursor for more advanced attacks within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1499 category for network denial of service. The vulnerability affects end-user productivity by preventing legitimate PDF document processing, creating potential business disruption in environments where PDF reading is essential for operations. Organizations relying on Wondershare PDF Reader for document management may experience service interruptions that impact workflow continuity and require system recovery procedures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-48294 should prioritize immediate software updates from Wondershare to address the underlying NULL pointer dereference in libPdfCore.dll. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious PDF files through email attachments or web downloads. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying sandboxing mechanisms for PDF processing to isolate potentially compromised files from critical system resources. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and defensive programming practices, particularly in components handling untrusted data streams. Security monitoring should include detection of abnormal application termination patterns and memory access violations that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to monitor for any reported exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability within their operational environments.