CVE-2020-18971 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in PoDoFo v0.9.6 can lead to a denial of service attack through a specific component.

Understanding CVE-2020-18971

This CVE involves a vulnerability in PoDoFo v0.9.6 that can be exploited for a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2020-18971?

The CVE-2020-18971 vulnerability is a stack-based buffer overflow in PoDoFo v0.9.6, allowing attackers to disrupt services by exploiting a particular component.

The Impact of CVE-2020-18971

This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to cause a denial of service, potentially disrupting system availability and functionality.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-18971

PoDoFo v0.9.6 is susceptible to a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability that can be triggered through a specific component.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in 'src/base/PdfDictionary.cpp:65' of PoDoFo v0.9.6, enabling attackers to execute a denial of service attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Not specified
Affected Versions: PoDoFo v0.9.6

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input to trigger the stack-based buffer overflow, leading to a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-18971, immediate steps and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor patches or updates promptly.
Implement input validation to prevent buffer overflow attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and systems to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address weaknesses.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that PoDoFo v0.9.6 is updated with the latest patches to mitigate the CVE-2020-18971 vulnerability.