CVE-2017-10951 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 app.launchURL method. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before using it to execute a system call. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-4724.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10951 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Foxit Reader version 8.3.0.14878 that demonstrates a classic insufficient input validation issue. This vulnerability exists within the app.launchURL method which is designed to handle URL launching functionality within the PDF reader application. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize and validate user-supplied input before executing system calls, creating a dangerous attack vector that can be exploited by remote adversaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-119, which covers insufficient restriction of operations within a defined access control scope. The issue manifests when the app.launchURL method processes a maliciously crafted URL string without adequate validation, allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary commands on the target system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system call level, enabling attackers to execute code with the privileges and context of the currently running Foxit Reader process, which typically runs with the same permissions as the user who initiated the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be leveraged to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malicious payloads. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or PDF files containing specially formatted URLs that trigger the vulnerable method when the target interacts with them. This requires user interaction through visiting a malicious website or opening a compromised PDF document, making it a typical phishing or social engineering vector. The vulnerability's exploitation process follows the ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain remote code execution, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage for execution.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of mitigation for this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of Foxit Reader installations to version 8.3.1 or later where the issue has been addressed. Network-based mitigations can include filtering of suspicious URL patterns and implementing web application firewalls to block malicious content. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of visiting untrusted websites or opening unknown PDF files remains critical. System-level protections such as application whitelisting, privilege separation, and sandboxing can further reduce the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Organizations should also consider monitoring for unusual system call patterns and network connections initiated by Foxit Reader processes as potential indicators of compromise. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and the dangerous consequences of inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data in applications that interact with system-level operations.