CVE-2019-9959 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2019-9959, an Integer Overflow vulnerability in Poppler versions up to 0.78.0, allowing attackers to manipulate memory allocation. Find mitigation steps and long-term security practices here.
Poppler versions up to 0.78.0 are affected by an Integer Overflow vulnerability in the JPXStream::init function. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate memory allocation, potentially leading to heap-based attacks.
Understanding CVE-2019-9959
Poppler versions up to 0.78.0 are susceptible to an Integer Overflow vulnerability due to inadequate validation of stream length in the JPXStream::init function.
What is CVE-2019-9959?
The vulnerability in Poppler versions up to 0.78.0 arises from the failure to verify negative stream lengths, enabling attackers to control memory allocation, posing a risk of heap-based memory corruption.
The Impact of CVE-2019-9959
The Integer Overflow vulnerability in Poppler versions up to 0.78.0 allows attackers to allocate a significant amount of memory on the heap, potentially leading to heap-based attacks. This vulnerability has been demonstrated in the pdftocairo tool.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-9959
Poppler versions up to 0.78.0 are affected by an Integer Overflow vulnerability in the JPXStream::init function.
Vulnerability Description
The JPXStream::init function in Poppler versions up to 0.78.0 fails to validate negative stream lengths, resulting in an Integer Overflow vulnerability that enables attackers to control memory allocation.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: n/a
- Vendor: n/a
- Versions affected: Up to 0.78.0
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to allocate a large memory chunk on the heap, with the size of the memory chunk under their control, potentially leading to heap-based attacks.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2019-9959, follow these mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Poppler to a version beyond 0.78.0 to mitigate the Integer Overflow vulnerability.
- Monitor security advisories for patches and updates related to Poppler.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent Integer Overflow vulnerabilities.
- Conduct regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches promptly to ensure the mitigation of known vulnerabilities in Poppler.