CVE-2024-24246 is a heap buffer overflow vulnerability identified in qpdf version 11.9.0, a widely used open-source tool for PDF transformation and inspection. The flaw resides in the std::__shared_count() function, part of the C++ standard library's shared pointer implementation, specifically within the /bits/shared_ptr_base.h file. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and can be triggered when qpdf processes crafted PDF files that manipulate shared pointer reference counts improperly, leading to memory corruption. The consequence of this flaw is primarily a denial-of-service condition, as it allows attackers to crash the application by causing heap corruption. According to the CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H), the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), and user interaction (UI:R). The scope remains unchanged (S:U), and the impact is limited to availability (A:H) without affecting confidentiality or integrity. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability’s presence in a core PDF processing library means it could be leveraged in targeted attacks or to disrupt automated document workflows. Organizations relying on qpdf for PDF manipulation, especially in automated pipelines or document management systems, should consider this vulnerability a risk for service interruptions.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2024-24246 is the potential for denial-of-service conditions in systems that utilize qpdf for PDF processing. This can disrupt document workflows, automated PDF transformations, and any dependent services, potentially affecting business continuity. While the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, the availability impact can be significant in environments where qpdf is integrated into critical document handling or archival systems. Industries such as legal, financial, government, and publishing, which heavily rely on PDF processing, may experience operational disruptions. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation, reducing the risk of widespread attacks but increasing the threat in insider or targeted scenarios. European organizations with stringent uptime requirements or automated document processing pipelines should prioritize mitigation to avoid service outages.

1. Monitor official qpdf repositories and security advisories for patches addressing CVE-2024-24246 and apply updates promptly once available. 2. Until patches are released, restrict access to systems running vulnerable qpdf versions to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious PDF processing. 3. Implement input validation and sandboxing for PDF files processed by qpdf to detect and isolate potentially malicious documents before processing. 4. Employ application whitelisting and execution control to prevent unauthorized execution of qpdf with untrusted inputs. 5. Conduct regular audits of document processing workflows to identify and remediate any use of outdated qpdf versions. 6. Educate users about the risks of opening untrusted PDF files, especially in environments where qpdf is used locally. 7. Consider deploying runtime memory protection mechanisms such as AddressSanitizer or similar tools during development and testing to detect heap corruption issues early.