CVE-2024-9735 in Power PDF
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2024
Tungsten Automation Power PDF JPF File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Write Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Tungsten Automation 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 JPF 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 object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-24451.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition within Tungsten Automation Power PDF's JPF file parsing functionality, classified as a remote code execution flaw that requires user interaction to exploit. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation during the processing of maliciously crafted JPF files, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite memory beyond the bounds of allocated buffers. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-787: "Out-of-bounds Write" which is a well-documented weakness in software security that allows attackers to write data beyond the intended memory boundaries. The flaw enables an attacker to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted process, making it particularly dangerous for remote exploitation scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the parsing phase of JPF files where the application fails to validate the size or structure of user-supplied data before attempting memory operations. When a malicious JPF file is processed, the parser does not properly bounds-check array accesses or buffer operations, allowing a write operation to occur beyond the allocated memory space. This creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations including function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program state information. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007: "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001: "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" as it typically requires social engineering to deliver the malicious file to a victim, who must then open or visit the file to trigger exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to completely compromise the target system. The attack surface is broad since JPF files can be delivered through various vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites. Once executed, the attacker gains the ability to perform actions such as installing malware, modifying system configurations, accessing sensitive data, or establishing persistent access through the compromised application. The vulnerability affects systems running Tungsten Automation Power PDF where users may encounter or open JPF files from untrusted sources, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where document processing is common. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of zero-day exploitation attempts and monitor for indicators of compromise related to malicious file delivery.
Mitigation strategies should focus on multiple layers of defense including immediate patching of affected software versions, implementing strict file validation policies, and deploying network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious JPF file content. Organizations should also consider restricting user privileges when processing documents, enabling sandboxing for document handling, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other document processing components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking as fundamental security practices that should be implemented throughout software development lifecycle processes according to secure coding guidelines established by organizations such as OWASP and NIST.