Apache PDFBox AFMParser Out of Memory Exception Vulnerability [CVE-2018-8036]
CVE Number – CVE-2018-8036
A vulnerability in the AFMParser component of the Apache PDFBox library could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on a targeted system.
The vulnerability is due to improper processing of .pdf files by the AFMParser component of the affected software. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a user to open a .pdf file that submits malicious input to the targeted system. A successful exploit could trigger an infinite loop condition that may lead to an out-of-memory exception in the AFMParser component, resulting in a DoS condition.
The Apache Software Foundation has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.
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To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must have local access to the targeted system or may use misleading language and instructions to convince a user to open a .pdf file that submits malicious input to the system.
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Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.
Users are advised not to open email messages from suspicious or unrecognized sources. If users cannot verify that links or attachments included in email messages are safe, they are advised not to open them.
Users are advised not to visit websites or follow links that have suspicious characteristics or cannot be verified as safe.
Administrators are advised to use an unprivileged account when browsing the Internet.
Administrators are advised to monitor critical systems.
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The Apache Software Foundation has released a security advisory at the following link: CVE-2018-8036 DoS (OOM) Vulnerability in AFMParser
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The Apache Software Foundation has released software updates at the following link: PDFBox 1.8.15 and 2.0.11
Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.