CVE-2019-17064 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2019-17064, a vulnerability in Xpdf 4.02 that allows attackers to trigger a NULL pointer dereference, potentially leading to a denial of service (DoS) attack. Find mitigation steps and affected systems here.
Xpdf 4.02 has a vulnerability in Catalog.cc that leads to a NULL pointer dereference issue. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
Understanding CVE-2019-17064
Xpdf 4.02 vulnerability with a delayed initialization of Catalog.pageLabels in the Catalog constructor.
What is CVE-2019-17064?
Xpdf 4.02 experiences a NULL pointer dereference due to delayed initialization of Catalog.pageLabels in the Catalog constructor.
The Impact of CVE-2019-17064
The vulnerability allows attackers to cause a denial of service (DoS) by exploiting the NULL pointer dereference issue in Xpdf 4.02.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-17064
Xpdf 4.02 vulnerability details and affected systems.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from the delayed initialization of Catalog.pageLabels in the Catalog constructor of Xpdf 4.02, leading to a NULL pointer dereference.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Xpdf 4.02
- Vendor: N/A
- Version: N/A
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating a PDF file to trigger the NULL pointer dereference, potentially causing a DoS condition.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from CVE-2019-17064 with these mitigation strategies.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply vendor patches or updates promptly.
- Restrict access to vulnerable systems.
- Monitor network traffic for signs of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and applications.
- Conduct security assessments and audits.
- Educate users on safe browsing habits and file handling.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of patches and updates provided by Xpdf to address the NULL pointer dereference vulnerability.