CVE-2023-37358
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Kofax Power PDF allows attackers to read memory beyond allocated bounds when processing malicious U3D files, potentially disclosing sensitive information. Users who open malicious PDF files containing crafted U3D content are affected. Attackers could combine this with other vulnerabilities to achieve arbitrary code execution.
💻 Affected Systems
- Kofax Power PDF
📦 What is this software?
Power Pdf by Tungstenautomation
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Information disclosure leading to sensitive data exposure, potentially combined with other vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution in the context of the PDF viewer process.
Likely Case
Information disclosure from process memory, potentially revealing application data or system information that could aid further attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper file validation and sandboxing are in place, with potential for crash but no data exfiltration.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction to open malicious file; exploitation may require chaining with other vulnerabilities for code execution.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Kofax security advisory for specific patched version
Vendor Advisory: https://docshield.kofax.com/PowerPDF/en_US/4.0.0-4p1njvx9eo/print/olh_merged/Content/ReleaseNotes/ReleaseNotes.htm
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check current Power PDF version. 2. Visit Kofax support portal. 3. Download and install latest security update. 4. Restart system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable U3D file processing
windowsConfigure Power PDF to disable U3D file parsing if not required
Use application sandboxing
windowsRun Power PDF in restricted/sandboxed environment
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized PDF files
- Educate users to avoid opening PDF files from untrusted sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Power PDF version against Kofax security advisory; vulnerable if using unpatched versionCheck Version:
In Power PDF: Help → About Power PDFVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Power PDF version matches or exceeds patched version specified in vendor advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes when processing PDF files
- Unexpected memory access errors in application logs
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PDF files from suspicious sources
- Outbound connections following PDF file opening
SIEM Query:
EventID=1000 OR EventID=1001 AND ProcessName="PowerPDF.exe" AND ExceptionCode=0xC0000005