CVE-2018-6544 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Artifex MuPDF version 1.12.0 contains a vulnerability in the pdf_load_obj_stm function that could be exploited by remote attackers to cause a denial of service through a crafted PDF document.

Understanding CVE-2018-6544

Artifex MuPDF 1.12.0 vulnerability leading to denial of service.

What is CVE-2018-6544?

The vulnerability in Artifex MuPDF version 1.12.0 allows remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition by exploiting a flaw in the pdf_load_obj_stm function.
The issue arises from recursive referencing of the object stream, depleting the error stack.

The Impact of CVE-2018-6544

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a maliciously crafted PDF document, leading to a denial of service condition.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-6544

Details of the vulnerability in Artifex MuPDF version 1.12.0.

Vulnerability Description

The pdf_load_obj_stm function in pdf/pdf-xref.c in Artifex MuPDF 1.12.0 can reference the object stream recursively, causing an exhaustion of the error stack.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Artifex MuPDF
Version: 1.12.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted PDF document to trigger the denial of service condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

Ways to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2018-6544 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to a patched version of Artifex MuPDF to mitigate the vulnerability.
Be cautious when opening PDF files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

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

Patching and Updates

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