CVE-2015-8580 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple use-after-free vulnerabilities in the (1) Print method and (2) App object handling in Foxit Reader before 7.2.2 and Foxit PhantomPDF before 7.2.2 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF document.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8580 represents a critical security flaw affecting Foxit Reader and Foxit PhantomPDF software versions prior to 7.2.2. This issue stems from multiple use-after-free conditions that occur during the processing of PDF documents, specifically within the Print method and App object handling components of these PDF viewers. The use-after-free vulnerability class is particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on these PDF viewing applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves memory management flaws where the software fails to properly handle memory allocation and deallocation processes. When processing specially crafted PDF documents, the Print method and App object handling components create scenarios where memory blocks are freed but subsequently accessed, leading to undefined behavior. This condition enables attackers to control the memory layout and potentially inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as Use After Free, which is a well-known weakness that has been exploited in numerous security incidents throughout the software industry.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to end users and organizations that utilize Foxit Reader or Foxit PhantomPDF for document processing. Attackers can craft malicious PDF files that, when opened by an affected version of these applications, trigger the use-after-free conditions and execute arbitrary code remotely. This capability allows for complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The remote exploitation aspect means that users do not need physical access to target systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where PDF documents are frequently shared and opened.
The impact of CVE-2015-8580 extends beyond individual user systems to encompass broader cybersecurity concerns within organizations. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the attack lifecycle, particularly as it relates to initial access and execution phases. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability exploitation under techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation. Organizations implementing security controls should prioritize patch management procedures to address this vulnerability, as the window of opportunity for exploitation remains open until systems are updated to version 7.2.2 or later. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of patches provided by Foxit Corporation, which address the specific use-after-free conditions in both the Print method and App object handling components. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as PDF sandboxing, restricted file type handling, and network-based protections that can detect and block malicious PDF content before it reaches end-user systems. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network connections or file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should include verification of patched software versions to ensure complete remediation of the use-after-free conditions that make this vulnerability exploitable.