CVE-2024-8847 in PDF-XChange
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2024
PDF-XChange Editor Doc Object Out-Of-Bounds Read Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of PDF-XChange Editor. 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 handling of Doc objects. 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 buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-25198.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2025
The CVE-2024-8847 vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw in PDF-XChange Editor's handling of Doc objects, constituting a remote code execution vulnerability that poses significant risks to affected systems. This vulnerability resides in the software's document object processing mechanism where insufficient input validation permits malicious data to trigger memory access violations. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes malformed or crafted Doc objects, leading to buffer over-read conditions that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be successfully exploited, meaning that targets must either visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted malicious file for the attack to succeed. This requirement for user interaction aligns with common exploitation patterns for client-side vulnerabilities, though it does not diminish the severity of the underlying flaw. The vulnerability has been assigned the ZDI-CAN-25198 identifier, indicating its recognition within the cybersecurity community and suggesting it has been documented and tracked by security researchers. The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of length of buffer, and more specifically CWE-787, which deals with out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the PDF-XChange Editor process. This means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The out-of-bounds read condition creates a memory access violation that can be leveraged to manipulate program execution flow, potentially leading to privilege escalation if the application runs with elevated permissions. Attackers can craft malicious PDF files or web content that, when processed by the vulnerable software, triggers the buffer read error and subsequently executes malicious code. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability makes it particularly dangerous as it does not require physical access to the target system, enabling attackers to conduct attacks from anywhere on the internet. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage client-side exploits to gain initial access to systems. The vulnerability's presence in a widely-used PDF editor means that it could affect numerous organizations and individuals who rely on this software for document processing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-8847 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as this represents a critical vulnerability that requires prompt attention. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of PDF-XChange Editor that contains the fix for this vulnerability, as vendors typically address such flaws through security patches or updates. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering to prevent access to known malicious sites that might host exploit code. User education and awareness programs should emphasize the importance of not opening suspicious PDF files or visiting untrusted websites, as the vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited. System administrators should monitor for unusual network traffic patterns or file access that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that sandboxing or restricted execution environments could provide additional protection, though this approach may impact usability. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify and block suspicious memory access patterns or code execution attempts related to buffer overflow conditions. Given the remote exploit capability and the requirement for user interaction, organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure they can quickly identify and respond to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that organizations should treat it with the highest priority and implement comprehensive security measures across all affected systems. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure that security controls remain effective against evolving threats.