CVE-2024-9758 is a security vulnerability identified in Tungsten Automation Power PDF version 5.0.0.10.0.23307, specifically within the processing of AcroForm Annotation objects. The root cause is an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125) due to insufficient validation of user-supplied data when handling annotation objects in PDF files. This flaw allows an attacker to read memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially disclosing sensitive information from the process memory. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a maliciously crafted PDF or visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the vulnerability. Although the immediate impact is information disclosure, the vulnerability can be leveraged in combination with other security flaws to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Power PDF process. The vulnerability was tracked as ZDI-CAN-24474 before being assigned CVE-2024-9758. The CVSS v3.0 base score is 3.3, reflecting low severity due to the need for user interaction and limited impact scope (confidentiality impact only). No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date. The vulnerability highlights the risks associated with improper input validation in PDF annotation handling, a common attack vector in document processing software.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-9758 is the potential disclosure of sensitive information from the memory space of the Power PDF application. This could include fragments of documents, user data, or other sensitive information residing in memory at the time of exploitation. While the vulnerability alone does not allow code execution, attackers could chain it with other vulnerabilities to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code, increasing the risk significantly. Organizations relying on Power PDF for document handling may face confidentiality breaches if users open malicious PDFs. This risk is heightened in environments where sensitive or classified documents are processed. The requirement for user interaction limits the scope of exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in phishing or social engineering scenarios. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate threat but does not preclude future attacks. Overall, the impact is moderate but could escalate if combined with other vulnerabilities.

To mitigate CVE-2024-9758, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Apply vendor patches or updates as soon as they become available to address the vulnerability directly. 2) Enforce strict email and file filtering policies to block or quarantine suspicious PDF files from untrusted sources. 3) Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected PDF attachments and links, emphasizing cautious behavior. 4) Utilize sandboxing or isolated environments for opening PDFs from unknown or untrusted origins to contain potential exploitation. 5) Monitor application logs and endpoint behavior for anomalies related to Power PDF usage, such as crashes or unusual memory access patterns. 6) Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting exploitation attempts involving memory corruption or information disclosure. 7) Limit the use of Power PDF to trusted users and environments where possible, reducing exposure. 8) Regularly review and update security policies related to document handling and user interaction with external content. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling the attack vector and reducing the likelihood of successful exploitation.