CVE-2017-10947 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 8.2.1.6871. 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 print 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-4722.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2021
CVE-2017-10947 represents a critical buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 8.2.1.6871 that enables remote code execution through improper object validation during print function operations. This vulnerability falls under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where an attacker can access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The flaw specifically manifests when the print functionality processes malformed input without adequate validation of object existence, creating a dangerous execution path where arbitrary code can be injected and executed within the application's process context. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning attackers must convince victims to visit malicious web pages or open compromised files containing specially crafted print commands that trigger the vulnerable code path.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic object-oriented programming error where the application fails to validate pointer references before dereferencing them during print operations. When Foxit Reader encounters a malformed print request, the system attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly initialized or validated, allowing attackers to manipulate the execution flow through controlled input data. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting languages used for execution, as attackers can leverage the print function's weakness to inject malicious payloads that execute with the privileges of the current user process. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable privilege escalation or further exploitation of the compromised system.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations using Foxit Reader as their primary PDF viewing solution, particularly in environments where users frequently access external websites or receive PDF attachments from untrusted sources. The requirement for user interaction creates a social engineering component that makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attacks, as attackers can craft convincing phishing campaigns that lead users to malicious websites containing the exploit. Organizations should consider implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to prevent users from accessing known malicious domains. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping third-party software updated, as Foxit Reader versions prior to the patched release contained this exploitable flaw.
The exploitation of CVE-2017-10947 demonstrates how seemingly routine functionality like printing can become a vector for sophisticated attacks when proper input validation is absent from the codebase. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability represents a common pattern in software development where insufficient bounds checking and object validation creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate application behavior. The vulnerability's classification under the ZDI-CAN-4722 tracking system indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative as a significant threat requiring immediate attention from software vendors and security professionals. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates, while also considering the implementation of sandboxing techniques or alternative PDF readers to reduce exposure to similar vulnerabilities in the future.