CVE-2025-6652 in PDF-XChange
Summary
by MITRE • 06/26/2025
PDF-XChange Editor PRC File Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Read Information Disclosure Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information 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 parsing of PRC files. 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 object. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-26724.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2025
CVE-2025-6652 represents a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability in PDF-XChange Editor's handling of PRC files, classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition. This vulnerability exists within the parsing logic that processes PRC (PDF Resource Container) files, which are used for storing PDF-related resources and metadata. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate the boundaries of user-supplied data during file parsing operations, allowing an attacker to craft malicious PRC files that trigger memory access violations beyond allocated buffer limits.
The vulnerability operates through a classic buffer over-read scenario where the PDF-XChange Editor application attempts to read data from memory locations that extend beyond the intended buffer boundaries. When processing a malformed PRC file, the parser does not adequately check array indices or data structure limits, enabling an attacker to manipulate file contents in such a way that subsequent memory reads retrieve unintended data from adjacent memory regions. This information disclosure can expose sensitive data including memory addresses, cryptographic keys, application state information, or other confidential data residing in nearby memory locations.
Remote exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage that hosts the crafted PRC file or opening the malicious file directly, making it a client-side attack vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution. The attack chain typically begins with social engineering to convince the user to interact with the malicious content, followed by the execution of the vulnerable parsing routine. The information disclosure aspect of this vulnerability can provide attackers with valuable insights about the application's memory layout, which may facilitate further exploitation attempts including privilege escalation or code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-6652 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the out-of-bounds read condition can potentially be leveraged to achieve arbitrary code execution when combined with other vulnerabilities present in the application or system environment. This vulnerability affects all versions of PDF-XChange Editor that process PRC files, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on this PDF editing software for document management and collaboration. The vulnerability's classification as a remote information disclosure threat means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without physical access, making it a significant risk for enterprise environments where PDF processing is common.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling PRC file processing capabilities in PDF-XChange Editor, applying vendor-provided patches as soon as available, and implementing network-based controls to block malicious PRC file downloads. Security monitoring should focus on detecting attempts to access or process PRC files from untrusted sources, while user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening unknown or untrusted PDF-related files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and boundary checking in file processing applications, particularly those handling complex document formats that require extensive parsing and data manipulation operations.