CVE-2018-18455 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2018-18455, a denial of service vulnerability in Xpdf version 4.00 that allows remote attackers to exploit a heap-based buffer over-read via a crafted pdf file. Find mitigation steps and prevention measures here.
A denial of service vulnerability in Xpdf version 4.00 allows remote attackers to exploit a heap-based buffer over-read via a crafted pdf file.
Understanding CVE-2018-18455
What is CVE-2018-18455?
The vulnerability involves a heap-based buffer over-read in the GfxImageColorMap class within Xpdf version 4.00, exploitable through a malicious pdf file.
The Impact of CVE-2018-18455
The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service condition when exploited by remote attackers using the pdftoppm tool.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-18455
Vulnerability Description
The GfxImageColorMap class in GfxState.cc within Xpdf 4.00 is susceptible to remote attacks causing a denial of service through a crafted pdf file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: N/A
- Vendor: N/A
- Version: 4.00
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers can trigger the vulnerability by sending a specially crafted pdf file to the target system.
Mitigation and Prevention
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
- Regularly update Xpdf to the latest version to patch known vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by Xpdf to address the vulnerability.