CVE-2020-20740 : What You Need to Know

PDFResurrect before 0.20 lacks header validation checks, leading to a heap-buffer-overflow in pdf_get_version().

Understanding CVE-2020-20740

PDFResurrect before version 0.20 is susceptible to a heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability due to inadequate header validation checks.

What is CVE-2020-20740?

This CVE refers to a specific vulnerability in PDFResurrect versions prior to 0.20 that allows an attacker to trigger a heap-buffer-overflow by exploiting the lack of proper header validation checks in the pdf_get_version() function.

The Impact of CVE-2020-20740

The vulnerability can be exploited by a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-20740

PDFResurrect before version 0.20 is affected by a heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability due to missing header validation checks.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the lack of proper validation of headers in the pdf_get_version() function, allowing an attacker to overflow the buffer and potentially execute malicious code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: PDFResurrect
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: All versions before 0.20

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious PDF file and enticing a user to open it, triggering the heap-buffer-overflow in the pdf_get_version() function.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2020-20740.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update PDFResurrect to version 0.20 or later to eliminate the vulnerability.
Avoid opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access to vulnerable systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address potential weaknesses in the system.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by PDFResurrect promptly to address the heap-buffer-overflow vulnerability.