CVE-2023-38745 : What You Need to Know

A security vulnerability has been identified in Pandoc before version 3.1.6. This vulnerability allows arbitrary file write operations when processing crafted image elements. Attackers could exploit this issue to create or overwrite files, depending on the process privileges.

Understanding CVE-2023-38745

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-38745 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-38745?

Pandoc before 3.1.6 is susceptible to arbitrary file write vulnerabilities triggered by specially crafted image elements. This could be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate files during document processing.

The Impact of CVE-2023-38745

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to overwrite or create files, posing a serious threat to the integrity and confidentiality of data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-38745

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-38745 and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to the mishandling of image elements in Pandoc, which can lead to unauthorized file modifications during file generation.

Affected Systems and Versions

All systems utilizing Pandoc versions before 3.1.6 are vulnerable to this arbitrary file write issue. Users who pass untrusted data to Pandoc for PDF generation or utilize the --extract-media option are at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing malicious image elements as input during file generation using Pandoc. This could result in the unauthorized creation or alteration of files on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the measures to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-38745.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Pandoc to version 3.1.6 or above to address the arbitrary file write vulnerability.
Avoid processing untrusted user input with Pandoc until the patch is applied.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized data manipulation.
Regularly monitor for security updates and apply patches promptly to safeguard against emerging threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Pandoc's official sources to maintain a secure environment.