Discover how to manipulate PDFs using Python. Gain hands-on experience with real-life scenarios and broaden your knowledge in handling and processing PDF files efficiently.

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mypdftoolbox.tar.gz

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pdf_merger

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This course will provide you with hands-on experience in PDF manipulation using the Python programming language. It integrates the most common real-life scenarios into its proceedings and supplies you with a framework of "how to do it". 

This course is addressed to Python programmers who seek to broaden their knowledge in the Python programming language. Moreover, it targets those who are eager to gain in-depth experience in handling and processing PDF files which constitute a large part of our day-to-day lives.

PDF Management in Python

# Introduction ##

Nowadays, most PDF readers are equipped with a Javascript interpreter, allowing programmers to turn their PDF documents into interactive applications that behave like web-enabled forms.

Javascript is a general-purpose, dynamic scripting language employed in various application domains ranging from web pages to PDF readers, widgets engines, and so on. 

Although Javascript facilitates the development of user-friendly interfaces with advanced functionalities, this powerful language is widely adopted by cybercriminals to develop malicious exploits.

PDF documents may act as vehicles for malware since they can hide harmful JavaScript code carried within their inner structure due to their common usage, dynamic specifications, and rich content.

# PDF major threats ##

Cybercriminals opt for different ways to manipulate PDF files. Here are some of the techniques used:

- **Javascript**: They inject malicious Javascript code to a PDF which can perform the following actions:
   - Download a malicious program on the machine when the PDF is open.
   - Read the fingerprint—for example, OS or screen size—of the running environment and send it to an attacker.
   - Obfuscate another exploit by encrypting it somewhere else and decoding it on the go when the PDF is open.
- **URLs**: They embed fraudulent links into PDFs to prevent antivirus software from detecting threat signatures.
- **Embedded files**: They attach files that can be exploited, such as `.exe` or `.vbs` files. Most PDF readers block these files types.
- **Encrypted PDFs**: They include an encrypted, untrustworthy PDF file inside another one to circumvent and deceive detection engines.

# Preventive measures ##

Recently, cybercriminals tend to leverage non-executable file formats such as PDF documents to perform malicious operations. To protect yourself, we suggest the following protective measures to cope with these advanced types of threats:

- Disable Javascript in your PDF reader.
- Download PDF documents originating from a trustworthy source.
- Dismiss PDF files you don’t know the origin or purpose of.
- Always make use of up-to-date PDF readers.
- Keep your antivirus software up to date.
- Adopt third-party solutions like LogRhythm Netmon, which provides instantaneous detection of malicious JavaScript code embedded within a PDF document.

# Scope ##

This lesson demonstrates the steps to inject JavaScript code into a PDF file using a lightweight, command-line-based utility developed in the Python programming language.


Learn to inject Javascript code into a PDF file.

Embedding JavaScript in a PDF File

Introduction

PDF Management Core Functions

Pages Processing

Content Processing

Document Processing

Conclusion

Appendices

Embedding JavaScript in a PDF File

Introduction

PDF major threats