CVE-2019-6131 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Artifex MuPDF 1.14.0 is affected by an issue of infinite recursion with stack consumption in the svg-run.c file. This vulnerability specifically impacts the functions svg_run_use_symbol, svg_run_element, and svg_run_use, as demonstrated using mutool.

Understanding CVE-2019-6131

This CVE entry highlights a critical vulnerability in Artifex MuPDF 1.14.0 that can lead to stack consumption due to infinite recursion.

What is CVE-2019-6131?

The vulnerability in Artifex MuPDF 1.14.0 allows for infinite recursion with stack consumption in specific functions, potentially leading to a denial of service or arbitrary code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2019-6131

The presence of this vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service condition or execute arbitrary code on the affected system, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-6131

Artifex MuPDF 1.14.0 is susceptible to an issue that triggers infinite recursion and stack consumption.

Vulnerability Description

The problem resides in the svg-run.c file of Artifex MuPDF 1.14.0, particularly in the functions svg_run_use_symbol, svg_run_element, and svg_run_use, which can be abused to exhaust the stack.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Artifex MuPDF 1.14.0
Vendor: Artifex
Versions: All versions are affected

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by utilizing the functions svg_run_use_symbol, svg_run_element, and svg_run_use in a way that triggers infinite recursion, leading to stack consumption.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-6131, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates promptly.
Consider implementing appropriate security controls to restrict access to vulnerable components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update software to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and remediate weaknesses proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from the vendor and apply patches as soon as they are available.