CVE-2017-10941 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 8.3.0.14878. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the AFParseDateEx function. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-4816.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10941 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Foxit Reader version 8.3.0.14878 and potentially other versions within the same product line. This security weakness resides within the AFParseDateEx function, which processes date-related data structures during PDF document parsing operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to verify the existence and integrity of objects before attempting to manipulate them, creating a classic null pointer dereference scenario that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in object-oriented programming practices where the AFParseDateEx function does not properly validate whether referenced objects exist in memory before executing operations on them. This oversight creates a condition where an attacker can craft malicious PDF content that, when processed by the vulnerable Foxit Reader application, triggers the execution of arbitrary code within the context of the current process. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning that targets must either visit a malicious webpage hosting the vulnerable PDF or open a specially crafted malicious file to trigger the exploit.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Foxit Reader for document processing, as it allows remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution capabilities without requiring elevated privileges. The attack vector typically involves social engineering tactics where users are诱导ed to open malicious PDF files or visit compromised websites containing the exploit code. The execution context of the exploit operates under the same privileges as the Foxit Reader application, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive documents, modify files, or establish persistent access to affected systems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions, and represents a common pattern in software development where insufficient input validation leads to exploitable conditions.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within enterprise environments. Security researchers have documented similar patterns in other PDF processing libraries where improper object validation leads to remote code execution capabilities. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader ATT&CK framework tactics, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to establish footholds. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it in the highest severity category, requiring immediate attention from security teams and system administrators responsible for maintaining document processing applications.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of Foxit Reader installations to versions that address the specific object validation issues within the AFParseDateEx function. Organizations should also implement network-based controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to prevent access to known malicious PDF content. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious PDF files and websites, while technical controls such as application whitelisting and sandboxing can provide additional layers of protection. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar validation gaps in other document processing applications and ensure comprehensive security coverage across the organization's attack surface.