CVE-2018-18454 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Xpdf 4.00's CCITTFaxStream class readRow() function is vulnerable to a remote denial of service attack due to a heap-based buffer over-read issue triggered by processing a malicious PDF file.

Understanding CVE-2018-18454

Xpdf 4.00's vulnerability allows remote attackers to exploit a denial of service flaw by manipulating PDF files.

What is CVE-2018-18454?

The readRow() function in Xpdf 4.00's CCITTFaxStream class is prone to a remote denial of service attack when processing a specially crafted PDF file. The vulnerability leads to a heap-based buffer over-read, enabling attackers to disrupt the system.

The Impact of CVE-2018-18454

The vulnerability in Xpdf 4.00 can be exploited by remote attackers to cause a denial of service condition, potentially disrupting system availability and performance.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18454

Xpdf 4.00's vulnerability in the CCITTFaxStream class readRow() function has the following technical details:

Vulnerability Description

The readRow() function in the Stream.cc file of Xpdf 4.00 is susceptible to a remote denial of service attack triggered by a specially crafted PDF file, leading to a heap-based buffer over-read vulnerability.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Xpdf 4.00
Vendor: N/A
Version: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by processing a malicious PDF file, such as the example exploit pdftoppm, to trigger the heap-based buffer over-read flaw.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-18454, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Avoid opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.
Implement network-level protections to filter out potentially malicious PDF files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep software and applications up to date to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Xpdf to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.