CVE-2025-69624 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Nitro PDF Pro for Windows version 14.41.1.4. This vulnerability allows attackers to cause application crashes through a NULL pointer dereference in the JavaScript implementation of app.alert(). Specifically, when app.alert() is invoked with more than one argument and the first argument is null, it triggers a fallback path that leads to an access violation.
The severity of this vulnerability is rated as high due to its CVSS score of 7.5, indicating that it is network exploitable with low complexity and no privileges required. This means that attackers can exploit the vulnerability remotely without any user interaction, leading to significant risks.
Organizations utilizing Nitro PDF Pro should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately to prevent potential exploitation. The risk to organizations includes application crashes, which could disrupt business operations and lead to data loss or unavailability.
Currently, there are no known exploits in the wild, and the vulnerability has not been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, the potential for exploitation remains high, necessitating prompt remediation efforts.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that Nitro PDF Pro for Windows 14.41.1.4 contains a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in the JavaScript implementation of app.alert(). This occurs when app.alert() is called with more than one argument and the first argument evaluates to null. In such cases, the engine routes the call through a fallback path intended for non-string arguments, leading to an invalid string pointer being passed without validation.
The CVSS score of 7.5 categorizes this vulnerability as high severity, with the following characteristics:
Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
Attack Vector | Network |
Attack Complexity | Low |
Privileges Required | None |
User Interaction | None |
Availability Impact | High |
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of null values in the JavaScript implementation of app.alert(). Specifically, when the function is invoked with a null first argument, it inadvertently triggers a fallback path that is not designed to handle such cases safely.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring no privileges or user interaction, making it highly exploitable. The availability impact is classified as high, as it can lead to application crashes when a crafted PDF is opened.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential downtime of the Nitro PDF Pro application, which can disrupt business operations and lead to lost productivity. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited to crash the application while handling maliciously crafted PDF files, exposing sensitive information and impacting user trust.
Organizations should assess their deployment of Nitro PDF Pro and prioritize patching this vulnerability in their remediation cycle. Given the high CVSS score and potential availability impact, it is critical that organizations address this vulnerability promptly.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected version for this vulnerability is Nitro PDF Pro 14.41.1.4. If version information is missing, organizations should consider all versions prior to vendor patch as vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching Nitro PDF Pro to mitigate this vulnerability. Upgrade to the latest version provided by the vendor to address the NULL pointer dereference issue. In cases where a patch is not immediately available, consider implementing configuration hardening techniques to reduce exposure.
For further information on penetration testing services, organizations can benefit from engaging in penetration testing to validate their security posture.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor application logs for indicators of access violations and crashes. Additionally, keep an eye out for behavioral anomalies when handling PDF files, especially those that may trigger the app.alert() function.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in software development. The trend of vulnerabilities related to improper handling of null values emphasizes the need for thorough input validation and error handling mechanisms. Security teams should conduct regular code reviews and security assessments to identify and remediate such vulnerabilities proactively.
Organizations can enhance their security posture by implementing a robust vulnerability management program to continuously assess and address security weaknesses in their applications.
For comprehensive security assessments, organizations should consider penetration testing methodology to identify potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
The ongoing evolution of cybersecurity threats necessitates a proactive approach to application security. Continuous improvement in security practices is essential to mitigate risks associated with software vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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