CVE-2024-9760 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) affecting Tungsten Automation Power PDF version 5.0.0.10.0.23307. The flaw arises from improper validation during the parsing of PNG files embedded within PDF documents. Specifically, the software fails to correctly verify the bounds of user-supplied data, leading to reads beyond the allocated memory buffer. This out-of-bounds read can cause disclosure of sensitive information from adjacent memory areas, potentially leaking data that should remain confidential. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a maliciously crafted PDF containing a PNG image or visiting a webpage that triggers the vulnerable parser. While the direct impact is limited to information disclosure, attackers may combine this vulnerability with others to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected process. The vulnerability was identified and assigned by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-24476 and published on November 22, 2024. The CVSS v3.0 base score is 3.3, reflecting low severity due to the attack vector being local (requiring user interaction), low complexity, no privileges required, and limited confidentiality impact without integrity or availability effects. No patches or known exploits have been reported at the time of disclosure, but the risk remains for users who handle untrusted PDF files containing PNG images.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-9760 is the potential disclosure of sensitive information from the memory of the affected application process. This could include fragments of confidential data, cryptographic keys, or other sensitive content residing in memory at the time of exploitation. Although the vulnerability does not directly allow code execution, it can be leveraged in multi-stage attacks where information disclosure aids in bypassing security controls or facilitating further exploitation. Organizations relying on Tungsten Automation Power PDF for document processing, especially those handling sensitive or classified information, face risks of data leakage. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks, particularly spear-phishing campaigns delivering malicious PDFs. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability's presence in a widely used PDF tool could attract attackers once exploit code becomes available. Overall, the impact is low but non-negligible for environments with high security requirements.

To mitigate CVE-2024-9760, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Restrict the use of Tungsten Automation Power PDF to trusted documents only and educate users to avoid opening PDFs from unverified sources, especially those containing embedded PNG images. 2) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of the PDF reader, reducing the potential damage from exploitation. 3) Monitor for vendor updates or patches addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 4) Use network-level protections such as email filtering and attachment scanning to detect and block malicious PDFs containing crafted PNG files. 5) Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of identifying anomalous memory access patterns or suspicious process behavior related to PDF parsing. 6) Conduct regular security awareness training emphasizing the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious documents. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling the attack vector (malicious PNG in PDFs) and limiting exposure through user behavior and technical controls.