CVE-2023-26930 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record details a Buffer Overflow vulnerability discovered in XPDF v.4.04 that could potentially lead to a Denial of Service attack. The vulnerability exists in the pdftotext.cc function where an attacker can exploit the PDFDoc malloc, causing an expected abort on an out-of-memory error.

Understanding CVE-2023-26930

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-26930, shedding light on its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-26930?

CVE-2023-26930 is a Buffer Overflow vulnerability found in XPDF v.4.04, allowing attackers to trigger a Denial of Service situation by manipulating the PDFDoc malloc in the pdftotext.cc function. It is worth noting that the vendor has described the resulting out-of-memory error as an expected abort.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26930

The impact of CVE-2023-26930 could be significant, potentially leading to a Denial of Service scenario on systems running the affected XPDF version. This can disrupt services, leading to downtime and loss of accessibility.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26930

Exploring the technical aspects of CVE-2023-26930 provides insight into the vulnerability's characteristics and its potential exploitation.

Vulnerability Description

The Buffer Overflow vulnerability in XPDF v.4.04 arises from the mismanagement of memory allocation in the PDFDoc malloc function within pdftotext.cc. Attackers can utilize this flaw to overwhelm the buffer allocated for PDF operations, causing a DoS situation.

Affected Systems and Versions

As per the CVE record, XPDF v.4.04 is identified as the affected version where this Buffer Overflow vulnerability exists. It is crucial for users of this specific version to take immediate action to secure their systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-26930, threat actors would target the PDFDoc malloc function within the pdftotext.cc component of XPDF v.4.04. By crafting a specific payload to trigger a buffer overflow, attackers can disrupt the memory allocation process and potentially crash the application.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-26930 requires a proactive approach to mitigate the associated risks and safeguard systems from potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

System administrators and users utilizing XPDF v.4.04 should consider implementing temporary mitigations, such as restricting access to vulnerable systems, until a patch or official workaround is available.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long run, organizations should prioritize adopting secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and staying informed about vulnerabilities affecting their software stack to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Patching and Updates

It is essential for affected users to monitor official channels for patches or updates released by the vendor to address the Buffer Overflow vulnerability in XPDF v.4.04. Timely application of patches can help eliminate the risk posed by CVE-2023-26930 and enhance system security.