CVE-2017-6845 : What You Need to Know

A crafted file can cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference) through the PoDoFo::PdfColor::operator function in PdfColor.cpp in PoDoFo 0.9.4.

Understanding CVE-2017-6845

This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in PoDoFo 0.9.4 that allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service attack by exploiting a NULL pointer dereference.

What is CVE-2017-6845?

The vulnerability in the PoDoFo library enables attackers to disrupt the service by manipulating a specific function in the code with a malicious file.

The Impact of CVE-2017-6845

This vulnerability can be exploited remotely, potentially leading to a denial of service condition on systems running the affected PoDoFo version.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-6845

The technical aspects of this CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

The PoDoFo::PdfColor::operator function in PdfColor.cpp in PoDoFo 0.9.4 is susceptible to a NULL pointer dereference.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: PoDoFo
Vendor: N/A
Version: 0.9.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a specific file that triggers the NULL pointer dereference in the PdfColor::operator function.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-6845, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update PoDoFo to a patched version if available.
Implement file input validation to prevent malicious crafted files from causing a denial of service.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and apply security updates to all software components.
Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to PoDoFo and promptly apply patches released by the vendor.