CVE-2020-35702 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2020-35702, a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Poppler 20.12.1 impacting builds from late December 2020. Find out how to mitigate the risk and secure your systems.
Poppler 20.12.1 has a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in DCTStream::getChars, impacting builds from late December 2020.
Understanding CVE-2020-35702
What is CVE-2020-35702?
- Heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in DCTStream::getChars in Poppler 20.12.1
- Only affects builds from Poppler git clones in late December 2020
- Considered a vulnerability for third-party projects relying on Poppler git clones
The Impact of CVE-2020-35702
- Allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service
- Particularly risky for systems processing PDF documents
Technical Details of CVE-2020-35702
Vulnerability Description
- Heap-based buffer overflow via a crafted PDF document
- Disputed as a Poppler vulnerability but remains relevant for certain projects
Affected Systems and Versions
- Poppler 20.12.1 builds from late December 2020
Exploitation Mechanism
- Crafted PDF document triggers the heap-based buffer overflow
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Avoid processing untrusted PDF files
- Update Poppler to a secure version
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and libraries
- Implement input validation and secure coding practices
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by Poppler to fix the vulnerability