CVE-2018-7174 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the impact of CVE-2018-7174 in Xpdf 4.00, allowing attackers to exploit an infinite loop in XRef::Xref, leading to denial of service. Learn about affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
Xpdf 4.00 version has a vulnerability that allows an attacker to exploit an infinite loop within XRef::Xref, leading to denial of service due to a lack of loop detection for streams.
Understanding CVE-2018-7174
The vulnerability in Xpdf 4.00 can be exploited by attackers to cause denial of service.
What is CVE-2018-7174?
An issue in xpdf 4.00 allows an attacker to trigger an infinite loop in XRef::Xref, resulting in denial of service as loop detection is absent for streams.
The Impact of CVE-2018-7174
The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to disrupt services and potentially cause system crashes.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-7174
Xpdf 4.00 vulnerability details.
Vulnerability Description
- The vulnerability lies in the XRef::Xref component of xpdf 4.00
- Exploitation can lead to denial of service
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: xpdf 4.00
- Vendor: N/A
- Version: N/A
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers can exploit the infinite loop within XRef::Xref
- Loop detection feature does not apply to streams, only tables
Mitigation and Prevention
Steps to address CVE-2018-7174.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor patches or updates if available
- Monitor system logs for any unusual activity
- Consider restricting access to vulnerable systems
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and systems
- Conduct security assessments and audits
- Educate users on safe computing practices
Patching and Updates
- Check for patches or updates from the software vendor
- Apply security patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerability