CVE-2012-4759 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in facebook_plugin.fpi in the Facebook plug-in in Foxit Reader 5.3.1.0606 allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse dwmapi.dll file in the current working directory, as demonstrated by a directory that contains a .pdf file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4759 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the Facebook plug-in component of Foxit Reader version 5.3.1.0606. This security flaw resides in the facebook_plugin.fpi file and creates a dangerous privilege escalation opportunity for local attackers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes PDF files and encounters a malicious dwmapi.dll file placed in the current working directory, which is a common attack vector for DLL hijacking exploits. The attack scenario becomes particularly concerning when the directory containing the targeted PDF file also houses the malicious dynamic link library, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes untrusted search path conditions where applications search for libraries or executables in insecure locations that can be manipulated by attackers. This flaw demonstrates how the Facebook plug-in fails to properly validate or sanitize the search path used to locate required dynamic link libraries during PDF processing operations. When Foxit Reader encounters a PDF file that triggers the Facebook plug-in functionality, it searches for the dwmapi.dll library in the current working directory before checking system directories, creating an exploitable window where malicious code can be loaded instead of the legitimate system library. The vulnerability specifically exploits the order of library resolution in Windows systems, where the application's search path prioritizes local directories over system directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise by adversaries who can manipulate the current working directory of PDF processing operations. Attackers can craft malicious directories containing both a PDF file and the trojan dwmapi.dll, then trick users into opening the PDF through the Facebook plug-in functionality. This creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited in social engineering campaigns where users are诱导 to open seemingly legitimate PDF documents. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges to exploit and can be triggered through normal user interaction with PDF files, making it a prime candidate for zero-day attacks in targeted environments. The attack chain follows established patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for execution and T1068 for privilege escalation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of Foxit Reader to versions that address the untrusted search path issue in the Facebook plug-in component. Organizations should implement strict directory access controls and privilege separation to prevent local users from placing malicious DLL files in directories containing PDF documents. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which DLLs can be loaded by Foxit Reader and similar PDF processing applications. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file operations in directories containing PDF files, particularly when these operations involve dynamic library loading. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper library resolution order in applications that process untrusted input, as outlined in secure development guidelines and industry best practices for preventing similar exploitation vectors in enterprise environments.