CVE-2019-12515 : What You Need to Know
Discover the impact of CVE-2019-12515, a vulnerability in Xpdf 4.01.01 that could lead to unauthorized data access or service disruption. Learn about affected systems, exploitation methods, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability in Xpdf 4.01.01 has been discovered, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data or service disruption.
Understanding CVE-2019-12515
What is CVE-2019-12515?
Xpdf 4.01.01 is affected by a flaw in the FlateStream::getChar() function, enabling attackers to exploit a crafted PDF file to compromise security.
The Impact of CVE-2019-12515
This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or a denial of service attack, posing a significant risk to affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-12515
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in the FlateStream::getChar() function in Xpdf 4.01.01, which can be triggered by a specially crafted PDF file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Xpdf 4.01.01
- Vendor: N/A
- Version: N/A
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by using a specifically crafted PDF file when interacting with the pdftoppm tool.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply security patches provided by the vendor promptly.
- Avoid opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity related to PDF file interactions.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and applications to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Xpdf or relevant vendors.