CVE-2021-39538 : Security Advisory and Response

A NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in pdftools through 20200714 can lead to Denial of Service.

Understanding CVE-2021-39538

This CVE involves a vulnerability in pdftools that could be exploited for a Denial of Service attack.

What is CVE-2021-39538?

The issue discovered in pdftools through 20200714 allows an attacker to exploit a NULL pointer dereference in the function

node::ObjNode::Value()

located in objnode.cpp, resulting in a Denial of Service.

The Impact of CVE-2021-39538

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to cause a Denial of Service on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-39538

This section provides technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

A NULL pointer dereference exists in the function node::ObjNode::Value() in objnode.cpp in pdftools through 20200714, leading to a Denial of Service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: pdftools through 20200714
Affected Component: node::ObjNode::Value() in objnode.cpp

Exploitation Mechanism

The attacker can exploit the vulnerability by causing a NULL pointer dereference in the mentioned function.

Mitigation and Prevention

Implement the following measures to mitigate the impact of CVE-2021-39538.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor patches as soon as they are available.
Monitor official sources for security advisories related to pdftools.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update pdftools to the latest version.
Conduct security audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities promptly.
Implement proper input validation mechanisms to prevent NULL pointer dereference vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of updates and patches provided by pdftools to address the vulnerability.