CVE-2024-46952

What it actually does

Buffer overflow during handling of a PDF XRef stream related to W array values in pdf/pdf_xref.c, leading to memory corruption.

Why it matters to the business

Attackers could execute arbitrary code on systems processing untrusted PDFs, risking system compromise, data theft, or malware deployment; the issue affects widely used document processing components with many downstream dependents.

How an attack unfolds

An attacker crafts a malicious PDF containing a manipulated XRef stream with abnormal W array values. When the vulnerable software parses the stream, the buffer overflow occurs and allows memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution.

How to fix it

Upgrade flashplugin-nonfree (Ubuntu:14.04:LTS) to version 11.2.202.548ubuntu0.14.04.1 or later; apply vendor patches for Ghostscript 10.04.0 and newer where applicable.

How to confirm the fix worked

Confirm installed package version is at or above the fixed release; test PDF parsing with known-good and crafted XRef samples in a controlled environment.

Typical attack path

1. Craft malicious PDF with oversized or malformed XRef W array values
2. Deliver PDF to target via email, web download, or shared document
3. Victim application opens and parses the PDF
4. Overflow triggers in XRef handling leading to control-flow hijack

How to detect it

Review application crash logs and PDF processing events for signs of buffer overflows; correlate with file creation or execution timestamps after PDF handling.

What your security team should do

• Prioritize patching all instances of the affected component within the next 30 days given publication age
• Block or sandbox untrusted PDF processing until upgrades are complete
• Update detection rules to monitor for PDF-related crashes or anomalous memory usage