Infinite Loop Vulnerability in libpdfbox-java and libpdfbox2-java: Out of Memory Exception Risk
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2018-8036: In Apache PDFBox 1.8.0 to 1.8.14 and 2.0.0RC1 to 2.0.10, a carefully crafted (or fuzzed) file can trigger an infinite loop which leads to an out of memory exception in Apache PDFBox's AFMParser. Affects libpdfbox-java versions < 1:1.8.15-1. Fixed in 1:1.8.15-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
libpdfbox-java and libpdfbox2-java are Java libraries used for creating and manipulating PDF documents. They provide functionalities such as rendering, printing, and editing PDF files. The libraries are widely used in applications that require PDF processing. However, certain versions of these libraries are vulnerable to a specific issue that can lead to an infinite loop and subsequent out of memory exceptions when processing specially crafted PDF files.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8036 affects Apache PDFBox versions 1.8.0 to 1.8.14 and 2.0.0RC1 to 2.0.10. It arises from the AFMParser component of PDFBox, which can enter an infinite loop when handling a carefully crafted or fuzzed file. This can lead to significant resource consumption, potentially crashing the application or causing it to become unresponsive due to an out of memory exception. The risk is particularly high in environments where PDF processing is a core functionality.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1:1.8.15-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade libpdfbox-javaTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing input validation to filter out potentially malicious PDF files before processing them. This can help mitigate the risk of triggering the infinite loop.
Conclusion
The vulnerability CVE-2018-8036 in libpdfbox-java and libpdfbox2-java poses a significant risk due to the potential for infinite loops and out of memory exceptions. It is crucial for users of these libraries to update to the patched versions to ensure the security and stability of their applications.
See every vulnerability recorded for libpdfbox-java →
FAQ
CVE-2018-8036 is a vulnerability in Apache PDFBox that can lead to an infinite loop and out of memory exceptions when processing specially crafted PDF files.
The affected versions are libpdfbox-java versions 1.8.0 to 1.8.14 and libpdfbox2-java versions 2.0.0RC1 to 2.0.10.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in your software by analyzing a manifest file like package-lock.json. You can also check your application using the Vulert playground without signing up.
Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to an infinite loop, causing applications to consume excessive memory and potentially crash or become unresponsive.
Yes, implementing input validation to filter out potentially malicious PDF files can help mitigate the risk until the package is updated.
References
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