CVE-2017-15369 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Artifex MuPDF prior to 2017-09-25 mishandles a specific scenario in the build_filter_chain function in pdf-stream.c, allowing remote attackers to execute a denial of service attack or potentially have other impacts via a crafted PDF document.

Understanding CVE-2017-15369

This CVE describes a vulnerability in Artifex MuPDF that could lead to a denial of service attack or other unspecified impacts.

What is CVE-2017-15369?

The build_filter_chain function in pdf-stream.c in Artifex MuPDF before 2017-09-25 mishandles a case where a variable may reside in a register, enabling remote attackers to trigger a use-after-free error and crash the application or potentially exploit other impacts through a specially crafted PDF document.

The Impact of CVE-2017-15369

Remote attackers can execute a denial of service attack by triggering a use-after-free error in Fitz fz_drop_imp, leading to application crashes.
There may be other unspecified impacts by exploiting a specially crafted PDF document.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-15369

Artifex MuPDF vulnerability details.

Vulnerability Description

The build_filter_chain function in pdf/pdf-stream.c in Artifex MuPDF before 2017-09-25 mishandles a specific scenario where a variable may reside in a register, allowing for a denial of service attack or other potential impacts via a crafted PDF document.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Artifex MuPDF
Versions: Prior to 2017-09-25

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious PDF document to trigger a use-after-free error in Fitz fz_drop_imp, causing application crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent CVE-2017-15369.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Artifex MuPDF to a version after 2017-09-25 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Be cautious when opening PDF files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches to prevent vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to detect and block malicious PDF files.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Artifex to address the vulnerability.