CVE-2023-33802:Buffer Overflow Vulnerability in SumatraPDF Reader v3.4.6 Allows DoS Attack

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A buffer overflow vulnerability has been identified in SumatraPDF Reader version 3.4.6. This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2023-33802, allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) condition by providing a specially crafted text file to the application. When the malicious text file is processed, the buffer overflow occurs, potentially causing the application to crash, rendering the service unavailable to legitimate users.

Overview

SumatraPDF is a popular, lightweight PDF reader for Windows. The vulnerability exists in version 3.4.6 of the software and is classified as CWE-120 (Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input). When processing certain text files, the application fails to properly validate input size before copying it to a buffer, resulting in a buffer overflow condition. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by convincing a user to open a specially crafted text file with the vulnerable version of SumatraPDF. Successful exploitation leads to application crashes, causing a denial of service. This vulnerability primarily impacts availability, as it can prevent legitimate users from accessing the application functionality.

Remediation

To mitigate this vulnerability, users should:

  1. Update SumatraPDF to the latest version available from the official website (https://www.sumatrapdfreader.org/download-free-pdf-viewer).
  2. If updating is not immediately possible, exercise caution when opening text files from untrusted sources.
  3. Consider using alternative PDF readers until the vulnerability is patched.
  4. Implement network security controls to prevent delivery of malicious files.
  5. Train users to recognize and avoid suspicious file attachments.

System administrators should monitor for unusual crashes of SumatraPDF applications in their environment, which could indicate exploitation attempts.

References

  1. GitHub repository with vulnerability details and proof of concept: https://github.com/CDACesec/CVE-2023-33802
  2. CWE-120: Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/120.html
  3. MITRE CVE Record: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2023-33802

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  3. Utilities
    Utilities
  4. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  5. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  6. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  7. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  8. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  9. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  10. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  11. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  12. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  13. Construction
    Construction
  14. Information
    Information
  15. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  16. Mining
    Mining
  17. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  18. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  19. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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