CVE-2024-25180: Pdfmake RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-25180 Overview

CVE-2024-25180 is a code injection vulnerability discovered in pdfmake version 0.2.9, a popular Node.js library for generating PDF documents. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via specially crafted POST requests to the /pdf endpoint. This endpoint becomes available when the test framework is installed, creating a potential attack surface in development and testing environments.

Note: This CVE is disputed by the vendor, who states that the /pdf endpoint behavior is intentional and only available after installing a test framework that exists outside of the main pdfmake application. The vendor maintains that anyone installing this test framework is responsible for ensuring it is only available to authorized testers.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation enables remote code execution on systems running the pdfmake test framework, potentially allowing attackers to take complete control of the affected server without authentication.

Affected Products

• pdfmake version 0.2.9
• pdfmake_project pdfmake (with test framework installed)
• Systems exposing the /pdf endpoint to untrusted networks

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-02-29 - CVE-2024-25180 published to NVD
• 2025-05-13 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-25180

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code), commonly known as Code Injection. The core issue stems from the test framework's /pdf endpoint processing user-supplied input without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on the server.

The vulnerability manifests when an attacker sends a malicious POST request containing crafted JavaScript code to the /pdf endpoint. The server-side component processes this input in an unsafe manner, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the Node.js process.

While the vendor disputes the severity, arguing that the test framework should only be installed in controlled environments, the reality is that misconfigured development or staging environments exposed to the internet could be vulnerable to exploitation.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper input validation and sanitization in the test framework's /pdf endpoint handler. The endpoint appears to evaluate user-controlled input as code, violating the principle of treating all external input as untrusted. This design decision, while potentially convenient for testing purposes, creates a significant security risk when the endpoint is accessible to unauthorized users.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and requires no authentication or user interaction. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by:

1. Identifying a pdfmake instance with the test framework installed and the /pdf endpoint exposed
2. Crafting a malicious POST request containing JavaScript code injection payloads
3. Sending the request to the /pdf endpoint
4. Achieving arbitrary code execution on the target server

The vulnerability is exploitable remotely with low attack complexity. Technical details and proof-of-concept information can be found in the GitHub CVE-2024-25180 README and the related GitHub Issue #2702.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-25180

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected POST requests to the /pdf endpoint from external IP addresses
• Unusual JavaScript code patterns in request bodies targeting the /pdf endpoint
• Anomalous process spawning from Node.js processes running pdfmake
• Suspicious outbound network connections from the application server

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious POST requests to /pdf endpoints
• Monitor application logs for unusual request patterns or error messages related to code execution
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions to identify unauthorized process creation or file system modifications
• Use network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) to identify exploitation attempts based on known payload patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all requests to the /pdf endpoint
• Set up alerts for any access to the /pdf endpoint from non-whitelisted IP addresses
• Monitor Node.js process behavior for signs of code injection exploitation
• Regularly audit which development/testing endpoints are exposed to external networks

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-25180

Immediate Actions Required

• Ensure the pdfmake test framework is not installed in production environments
• Block external access to the /pdf endpoint using firewall rules or network segmentation
• Review all pdfmake deployments to identify instances where the test framework may be unintentionally exposed
• Implement strict access controls limiting /pdf endpoint access to authorized internal testers only

Patch Information

As this vulnerability is disputed by the vendor and considered intentional behavior for the test framework, there is no official patch available. Organizations should follow the vendor's guidance of ensuring the test framework is only available to authorized testers. For additional context and discussion, refer to the Snyk Vulnerability Advisory and the GitHub Issue #2702.

Workarounds

• Remove the test framework entirely from production and staging environments
• Implement network-level restrictions to ensure the /pdf endpoint is only accessible from trusted internal networks
• Use authentication middleware to protect the test endpoint if it must remain available
• Consider deploying test environments in isolated network segments without internet exposure

# Configuration example - Block external access to /pdf endpoint using nginx
location /pdf {
    # Only allow access from internal network
    allow 10.0.0.0/8;
    allow 172.16.0.0/12;
    allow 192.168.0.0/16;
    deny all;
    
    # Or completely disable the endpoint
    # return 403;
}