CVE-2019-5066CWE-416

An exploitable use-after-free vulnerability exists in the way LZW-compressed streams are processed in Aspose.PDF 19.2 for C++

Critical · published September 18, 2019

CVSS v3.0
9.8
EPSS
2%
Percentile
83.9
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 A crafty PDF can turn a simple document into a dangerous exploit! Just one specially crafted file can unleash a use-after-free vulnerability in Aspose.PDF 19.2 for C++. 🔥 Think of it like a chef leaving a sizzling pan on the stove after cooking a delicious meal; if someone comes along and tries to grab that pan without realizing it’s still hot, they could get burned! In this case, the dangling pointer is that hot pan, waiting to cause chaos when accessed incorrectly. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, potentially taking control of the system or stealing sensitive information. This could lead to devastating compromises, like losing critical data or having personal information exposed. The consequences can be absolutely catastrophic for organizations relying on secure document processing!

Put simply

Think of it like a chef leaving a sizzling pan on the stove after cooking a delicious meal; if someone comes along and tries to grab that pan without realizing it’s still hot, they could get burned! In this case, the dangling pointer is that hot pan, waiting to cause chaos when accessed incorrectly. This use-after-free vulnerability arises from improper handling of LZW-compressed streams in PDF files, allowing attackers to manipulate memory and execute malicious code by processing specially crafted documents.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, potentially taking control of the system or stealing sensitive information. This could lead to devastating compromises, like losing critical data or having personal information exposed. The consequences can be absolutely catastrophic for organizations relying on secure document processing! Immediate action is crucial! Update Aspose.PDF to version 19.3 or later to eliminate this vulnerability. Additionally, ensure that all incoming PDF files are thoroughly validated to prevent malicious documents from being processed. 🛡️ You've got this! By following these steps, you'll fortify your defenses and keep your applications safe! 💪✨

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.0
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.02395 · 83.9th percentile
Weakness
CWE-416 · Use After Free
Published
2019-09-18T20:16Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 18 SEP 20:16Z
    An exploitable use-after-free vulnerability exists in the way LZW-compressed streams are processed in Aspose.PDF 19.2 for C++
    cvelistv5