Kofax Power PDF PDF File Parsing Heap-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

CVE-2023-42038

What is CVE-2023-42038?

The vulnerability in Kofax Power PDF is a heap-based buffer overflow that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. This occurs due to inadequate validation of user-supplied data when parsing PDF files. Specifically, the flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the length of the data before it is copied to a fixed-length heap buffer. Exploitation requires user interaction, where the victim must either visit a malicious webpage or open a compromised PDF file. Once triggered, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized code execution in the context of the affected process, posing significant security risks.

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