Remote code execution in QPDF

1) Heap-based buffer overflow

EUVDB-ID: #VU66595

Risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 7.1 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-36978

CWE-ID: CWE-122 - Heap-based Buffer Overflow

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error within the Pl_ASCII85Decoder::write() function when processing PDF files. A remote attacker can pass specially crafted file to the application, trigger a heap-based buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation

Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

QPDF: 9.0.0 - 10.4.0

External links

http://bugs.chromium.org/p/oss-fuzz/issues/detail?id=28262
http://github.com/qpdf/qpdf/commit/dc92574c10f3e2516ec6445b88c5d584f40df4e5
http://github.com/google/oss-fuzz-vulns/blob/main/vulns/qpdf/OSV-2020-2245.yaml

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.