CVE-2023-2663 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-2663, a vulnerability found in Xpdf 4.04 and earlier versions that can lead to a stack overflow due to an object loop in the PDF page label tree.

Understanding CVE-2023-2663

CVE-2023-2663 highlights a specific vulnerability in Xpdf versions that could potentially result in a stack overflow impact.

What is CVE-2023-2663?

In Xpdf 4.04 (and earlier), a PDF object loop in the page label tree leads to infinite recursion and a stack overflow. This uncontrolled recursion vulnerability is classified under CWE-674.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2663

The impact of CVE-2023-2663 is rated as "LOW" in terms of severity according to the CVSS v3.1 base score of 2.9. The attack complexity is considered high, with a local attack vector and low availability impact. No privileges are required for exploitation, and user interaction is not needed.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2663

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-2663 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Xpdf versions allows for a PDF object loop in the page label tree that triggers infinite recursion, leading to a stack overflow condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

The specific version affected by this vulnerability is Xpdf 4.04, and potentially other earlier versions of the software.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker could create a malicious PDF file containing the object loop in the page label tree, which, when processed by Xpdf, could result in a stack overflow condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-2663 and prevent any potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of Xpdf 4.04 and earlier versions are advised to update to a patched version provided by the vendor to address this vulnerability. Additionally, avoiding opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources can help mitigate the risk.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regular security updates can help enhance overall system security and prevent vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-2663 from being exploited.

Patching and Updates

Staying vigilant about software updates and applying patches released by Xpdf promptly is essential to protect systems from potential exploitation of CVE-2023-2663. Regularly checking for security advisories from the vendor can help in staying informed about the latest updates and patches.