CVE-2017-7381 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-7381, a vulnerability in PoDoFo software version 0.9.5 that allows remote attackers to crash the application via a crafted PDF document. Find mitigation steps and prevention measures here.
PoDoFo software version 0.9.5 is vulnerable to a NULL pointer dereference issue in the file "doc/PdfPage.cpp" at line 609, allowing remote attackers to crash the application by exploiting a specially crafted PDF document.
Understanding CVE-2017-7381
This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in PoDoFo software version 0.9.5 that can be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service through a NULL pointer dereference.
What is CVE-2017-7381?
The vulnerability in the PoDoFo software version 0.9.5 allows remote attackers to disrupt services by triggering a NULL pointer dereference, leading to a crash of the application when processing a malicious PDF document.
The Impact of CVE-2017-7381
Exploiting this vulnerability can result in a denial of service, causing the application to crash and potentially disrupting services relying on the PoDoFo software.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-7381
PoDoFo software version 0.9.5 is susceptible to a specific vulnerability that can be further understood through the following technical details:
Vulnerability Description
The issue lies in the code at line 609, character 23, of the file "doc/PdfPage.cpp" in PoDoFo software version 0.9.5, where a NULL pointer dereference can be triggered by processing a specially crafted PDF document.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Software: PoDoFo version 0.9.5
- Affected File: "doc/PdfPage.cpp"
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a PDF document in a specific way to trigger the NULL pointer dereference, leading to a crash of the PoDoFo application.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2017-7381 and enhance overall security, consider the following mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update PoDoFo software to a patched version if available.
- Avoid opening PDF documents from untrusted or unknown sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor for software updates and security advisories.
- Implement network security measures to detect and block malicious PDF files.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by the PoDoFo software vendor to fix the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.