CVE-2011-0332 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Foxit Reader before 4.3.1.0218 and Foxit Phantom before 2.3.3.1112 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted ICC chunks in a PDF file, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0332 represents a critical integer overflow flaw affecting Foxit Reader versions prior to 4.3.1.0218 and Foxit Phantom versions prior to 2.3.3.1112. This vulnerability resides in the handling of ICC color profile chunks within PDF documents, creating a pathway for remote code execution through maliciously crafted PDF files. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions that can lead to buffer overflows and arbitrary code execution. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by constructing specially crafted ICC chunks that, when processed by the vulnerable software, trigger an integer overflow condition resulting in a heap-based buffer overflow.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves the manipulation of ICC color profile data within PDF files, where the application fails to properly validate integer values during the processing of color profile chunks. When Foxit Reader or Foxit Phantom encounters these malformed ICC chunks, the integer overflow occurs during memory allocation calculations, leading to insufficient buffer space being allocated. This insufficient allocation creates a heap-based buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of software security and memory management, where improper input validation combined with integer arithmetic overflow creates a dangerous combination that can be exploited remotely without user interaction.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation, as it provides attackers with a sophisticated method for achieving arbitrary code execution within the context of the vulnerable application. The heap-based buffer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to inject and execute malicious code, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability affects a wide range of users who rely on Foxit Reader and Phantom for document viewing, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PDF documents are frequently shared. The remote nature of the attack means that users need not interact with malicious content directly, as simply opening a compromised PDF file can trigger the exploit, making it particularly insidious.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0332 require immediate patching of affected software versions to address the integer overflow condition in ICC chunk processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive software update policies ensuring all instances of Foxit Reader and Phantom are upgraded to versions 4.3.1.0218 or later for Reader and 2.3.3.1112 or later for Phantom. Additional defensive measures include implementing PDF content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms, restricting user access to potentially malicious PDF files, and monitoring for suspicious PDF file activity. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities for privilege escalation and code execution, making it a target for advanced persistent threat actors seeking to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Network segmentation and email filtering should be enhanced to prevent delivery of malicious PDF files containing the crafted ICC chunks that trigger this vulnerability.