CVE-2018-18020 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2018-18020, a vulnerability in QPDF version 8.2.1 that allows remote exploitation, leading to a denial of service attack. Find out how to mitigate this security risk.
CVE-2018-18020 pertains to a vulnerability found in version 8.2.1 of QPDF, specifically in libqpdf/QPDFWriter.cc. This flaw allows for remote exploitation by malicious actors, leading to a denial of service through the use of a specially crafted PDF file.
Understanding CVE-2018-18020
This CVE entry highlights a vulnerability in the QPDF software that could be exploited remotely to cause a denial of service attack.
What is CVE-2018-18020?
The vulnerability in QPDF version 8.2.1 allows for recursive calls in certain functions, leading to an extended duration of operation that can be exploited by attackers to trigger a denial of service condition.
The Impact of CVE-2018-18020
The impact of this vulnerability is the potential for malicious individuals to remotely exploit the flaw, causing a denial of service by utilizing a specially crafted PDF file.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-18020
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE entry.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in the functions QPDFWriter::unparseObject and QPDFWriter::unparseChild, which are susceptible to recursive calls, enabling attackers to exploit the flaw.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Vendor: n/a
- Product: n/a
- Versions: All versions are affected.
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows for remote exploitation by malicious actors using a specially designed PDF file to trigger recursive calls in the affected functions, leading to a denial of service.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-18020 involves taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security updates provided by the software vendor promptly.
- Consider limiting access to PDF files from untrusted sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network security measures to detect and prevent malicious PDF files.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that the QPDF software is updated to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability to mitigate the risk of exploitation.