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CVE-2025-46205: Denial of Service Vulnerability in Podofo’s PdfTokenizer::ReadDictionary Function

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Overview

The world of cybersecurity is an ever-evolving landscape riddled with potential vulnerabilities and exploits. One such vulnerability, with the identifier CVE-2025-46205, poses a significant threat to any system utilizing versions v0.10.0 to v0.10.5 of the podofo library. This vulnerability specifically targets the PdfTokenizer::ReadDictionary function, leading to a heap-use-after-free condition. This vulnerability is of high importance as it allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) by simply supplying a crafted PDF file. Organizations utilizing the affected versions of podofo should address this vulnerability promptly to prevent potential system compromise or data leakage.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-46205
Severity: High (8.1 CVSS Severity Score)
Attack Vector: Remote
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: Required
Impact: Denial of Service, Potential system compromise or data leakage

Affected Products

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Product | Affected Versions

Podofo | v0.10.0 to v0.10.5

How the Exploit Works

The vulnerability resides in the PdfTokenizer::ReadDictionary function of the podofo library. Due to improper memory management, a heap-use-after-free condition can be triggered when parsing a maliciously crafted PDF file. This condition occurs when an object in the heap memory is used after it has been freed, leading to a crash or, more critically, enabling the execution of arbitrary code.

Conceptual Example Code

The following pseudocode represents a conceptual example of a crafted PDF file that could be used to exploit the vulnerability:
“`c++
PdfObject* obj = new PdfObject();
// … fill the object with malicious code
PdfTokenizer::ReadDictionary(obj);
delete obj;
// … use obj again, triggering the heap-use-after-free condition
PdfTokenizer::ReadDictionary(obj);
“`
In this example, the object `obj` is deleted and then used again, causing the heap-use-after-free condition. This could be packaged into a PDF file and sent to the victim, who would trigger the vulnerability when opening the file.

Recommendations

The most effective mitigation against this vulnerability is to apply the vendor patch. In situations where immediate patching is not feasible, implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can provide a temporary mitigation. However, these should only be seen as stopgap measures, as they may not completely protect against all potential exploits of this vulnerability. Regular system and software updates, combined with robust cybersecurity practices, are the best defense against threats such as CVE-2025-46205.

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Disclaimer:

The information and code presented in this article are provided for educational and defensive cybersecurity purposes only. Any conceptual or pseudocode examples are simplified representations intended to raise awareness and promote secure development and system configuration practices.

Do not use this information to attempt unauthorized access or exploit vulnerabilities on systems that you do not own or have explicit permission to test.

Ameeba and its authors do not endorse or condone malicious behavior and are not responsible for misuse of the content. Always follow ethical hacking guidelines, responsible disclosure practices, and local laws.

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