CVE-2019-14975 : What You Need to Know

Artifex MuPDF version prior to 1.16.0 is vulnerable to a heap-based buffer over-read in the "fz_chartorune" function.

Understanding CVE-2019-14975

What is CVE-2019-14975?

The vulnerability in Artifex MuPDF before version 1.16.0 allows attackers to trigger a heap-based buffer over-read due to insufficient validation.

The Impact of CVE-2019-14975

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by crashing the application.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-14975

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from a lack of validation in the "pdf/pdf-op-filter.c" file, leading to a heap-based buffer over-read in the "fz_chartorune" function in the "fitz/string.c" file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: Artifex MuPDF before 1.16.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious PDF file to trigger the heap-based buffer over-read, potentially leading to code execution or denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Artifex MuPDF to version 1.16.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Exercise caution when opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to detect and block malicious PDF files.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates for Artifex MuPDF to address security vulnerabilities.