CVE-2017-10952 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 8.2.0.2051. 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 saveAs JavaScript function. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can lead to writing arbitrary files into attacker controlled locations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-4518.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2021
CVE-2017-10952 represents a critical arbitrary file writing vulnerability within Foxit Reader version 8.2.0.2051 that demonstrates a classic improper input validation flaw categorized under CWE-20. This vulnerability resides in the saveAs JavaScript function which fails to properly validate user-supplied data before processing file operations. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on targeted systems through malicious web pages or files that trigger the vulnerable JavaScript functionality. The security implications are severe as the vulnerability operates under the context of the current process, potentially enabling full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to write malicious files to attacker-controlled locations, bypassing normal file system permissions and access controls. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, meaning victims must visit malicious web pages or open compromised files, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or drive-by download attacks. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1078 for legitimate credentials use, as the exploitation occurs within the legitimate application context. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices where input validation is insufficient to prevent malicious file system operations. Organizations using Foxit Reader should consider immediate remediation through patch updates or application isolation measures. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway through JavaScript functions highlights the importance of sandboxing and input validation in document processing applications. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability in network traffic and file system changes. The issue underscores the critical need for proper validation of all user-supplied data in application scripting environments where file system operations are permitted. This vulnerability exemplifies how seemingly benign functionality like file saving can become a critical attack surface when proper input validation is absent. The attack vector through web pages demonstrates the growing threat landscape where document readers become entry points for sophisticated attacks. Organizations should implement network segmentation and application whitelisting to mitigate potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The technical flaw represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, where the application grants excessive permissions to JavaScript functions that should be more strictly limited. Security assessments should prioritize identifying similar vulnerabilities in other PDF readers and document processing applications that may exhibit similar JavaScript execution patterns. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw emphasizes the need for robust application security testing and threat modeling exercises. This particular weakness in Foxit Reader's JavaScript engine illustrates the broader challenge of securing complex document processing applications that must balance functionality with security. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful crafting of malicious content that can trigger the vulnerable saveAs function, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. Network security controls should include monitoring for unusual file system write operations that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's remediation requires patching the application to implement proper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar JavaScript-based file operations that may present comparable risks. The security community should remain vigilant for related vulnerabilities in other PDF processing libraries that may share similar architectural flaws. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in application development, particularly when handling user-supplied data in file system operations. The exploitation of this flaw demonstrates the ongoing challenge of securing rich internet applications where JavaScript execution can provide unexpected attack vectors.