CVE-2024-5304 in Power PDF
Summary
by MITRE • 06/06/2024
Kofax Power PDF TGA File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write 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 TGA files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a write past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-22920.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5304 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within Kofax Power PDF's handling of TGA (Targa) image files. This remote code execution vulnerability exists in the file parsing component that processes TGA format files, which are commonly used for storing raster graphics and are frequently encountered in document processing workflows. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data during the parsing process, creating a condition where maliciously crafted TGA files can trigger memory corruption.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Kofax Power PDF attempts to parse TGA files without adequate bounds checking on buffer allocations. When processing malformed TGA file structures, the application fails to validate the size parameters or data offsets specified within the file headers, allowing an attacker to craft a specially constructed TGA file that will cause the parser to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. This memory corruption condition can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses or function pointers, enabling arbitrary code execution within the context of the running Power PDF process. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory safety issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote code execution without requiring administrative privileges, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where document processing applications are widely deployed. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability by delivering a malicious TGA file through various attack vectors including web-based exploits, email attachments, or file sharing platforms where users might inadvertently open the crafted file. The requirement for user interaction through visiting a malicious page or opening a malicious file means the attack can be executed through social engineering campaigns or by exploiting user trust in document processing applications. This makes the vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against as it requires both application-level protections and user awareness training to prevent successful exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5304 should include immediate deployment of vendor patches or updates that address the buffer overflow condition in TGA file parsing. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block suspicious TGA file content, particularly when these files are delivered through untrusted sources. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of untrusted document processing applications and establish strict file type validation controls. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through legitimate application interfaces. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of Kofax Power PDF installations and ensure that all endpoints are properly updated to prevent exploitation attempts.