CVE-2019-5821 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2019-5821, an integer overflow vulnerability in Google Chrome's PDFium component before version 74.0.3729.108, potentially leading to heap corruption. Find mitigation steps and preventive measures here.
A potential vulnerability was found in Google Chrome before version 74.0.3729.108, specifically in PDFium. This vulnerability, known as an integer overflow, could be exploited by a remote attacker through a manipulated PDF file, potentially leading to heap corruption.
Understanding CVE-2019-5821
This CVE identifies an integer overflow vulnerability in PDFium within Google Chrome versions prior to 74.0.3729.108.
What is CVE-2019-5821?
CVE-2019-5821 is an integer overflow vulnerability found in Google Chrome's PDFium component, allowing remote attackers to potentially exploit heap corruption via a crafted PDF file.
The Impact of CVE-2019-5821
The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to heap corruption, enabling remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on the affected system.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-5821
This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE-2019-5821 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability involves an integer overflow in PDFium within Google Chrome versions prior to 74.0.3729.108, which could be exploited by remote attackers through a malicious PDF file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Chrome
- Vendor: Google
- Versions Affected: < 74.0.3729.108
- Version Type: Custom
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by a remote attacker through a manipulated PDF file, leveraging the integer overflow in PDFium to potentially cause heap corruption.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-5821 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Google Chrome to version 74.0.3729.108 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Avoid opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.
- Implement network security measures to detect and block potentially malicious PDF files.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and applications to the latest versions to address known vulnerabilities.
- Educate users on safe browsing practices and the risks associated with opening files from unfamiliar sources.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Google to address CVE-2019-5821 and other potential vulnerabilities.