CVE-2024-5510 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability classified under CWE-125 found in the JP2 (JPEG 2000) file parsing component of Kofax Power PDF version 5.0.0.57. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied data during the parsing process, which allows an attacker to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code remotely within the context of the current process. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a maliciously crafted JP2 file or visiting a webpage that triggers the vulnerable parser. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.0 base score of 7.8, indicating high severity, with attack vector local (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). Although no public exploits are known at this time, the potential for remote code execution makes this a critical risk for affected users. The vulnerability was identified and assigned by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) under ZDI-CAN-22019. No patches have been linked yet, so users must monitor vendor advisories closely. The flaw highlights the risks inherent in processing complex file formats without rigorous input validation.

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely with the privileges of the user running Kofax Power PDF, potentially leading to full system compromise. The impact spans confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as attackers could steal sensitive information, alter or corrupt documents, or disrupt normal operations. Since exploitation requires user interaction, social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to deliver malicious JP2 files or links. Organizations relying on Kofax Power PDF for document processing, especially in regulated industries like finance, legal, and government, face increased risk of data breaches and operational disruption. The lack of current public exploits reduces immediate risk but also means attackers may develop exploits once patches are released. The vulnerability could be leveraged as an initial foothold in targeted attacks or ransomware campaigns. Overall, the threat is significant due to the potential for remote code execution and the widespread use of PDF tools in enterprise environments.

Until an official patch is released, organizations should implement strict controls on file handling, including disabling automatic opening of JP2 files within Kofax Power PDF and restricting file sources to trusted origins. Employ email and web gateway filtering to block or quarantine suspicious JP2 files and links. Educate users on the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected files, particularly those with JP2 extensions. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Consider sandboxing or isolating PDF processing environments to limit potential damage from exploitation. Regularly monitor vendor communications for patch releases and apply updates promptly. Additionally, review and harden application permissions to minimize the privileges of the Kofax Power PDF process. Implement network segmentation to contain potential breaches and maintain up-to-date backups to recover from possible ransomware or data corruption incidents.