CVE-2017-7379 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2017-7379, a vulnerability in the PoDoFo library allowing remote attackers to trigger application crashes and denial of service through crafted PDF documents. Find mitigation steps here.
CVE-2017-7379 was published on April 3, 2017, and involves a vulnerability in the PoDoFo library that can lead to a denial of service attack through a crafted PDF document.
Understanding CVE-2017-7379
This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in the PoDoFo library that can be exploited by remote attackers to cause an application crash and denial of service.
What is CVE-2017-7379?
The vulnerability in the PoDoFo library allows attackers to trigger an application crash and denial of service by exploiting a heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability in the PdfSimpleEncoding::ConvertToEncoding function in PdfEncoding.cpp.
The Impact of CVE-2017-7379
The impact of this vulnerability is the potential for remote attackers to disrupt the normal operation of an application by causing it to crash, leading to a denial of service condition.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-7379
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE entry.
Vulnerability Description
The PoDoFo::PdfSimpleEncoding::ConvertToEncoding function in PdfEncoding.cpp in PoDoFo 0.9.5 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (heap-based buffer over-read and application crash) via a crafted PDF document.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions: PoDoFo 0.9.5
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers through a crafted PDF document using the PoDoFo 0.9.5 PoDoFo::PdfSimpleEncoding::ConvertToEncoding function in PdfEncoding.cpp.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2017-7379, the following steps can be taken:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor patches or updates if available.
- Avoid opening PDF documents from untrusted or unknown sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions.
- Implement network security measures to detect and block malicious PDF files.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that the PoDoFo library is updated to a version that addresses the vulnerability to prevent exploitation.