CVE-2017-10959 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 8.3.1.21155. 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 setAction method of Link objects. 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-4981.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2023
CVE-2017-10959 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 8.3.1.21155, classified under CWE-476 as NULL Pointer Dereference. This vulnerability resides within the setAction method of Link objects, where the application fails to validate whether an object exists before performing operations on it. The flaw operates as a classic null pointer dereference scenario where the application assumes object existence without proper validation, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current process. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning victims must either visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted malicious file containing the vulnerable link structure. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, which specifically targets client-side applications through crafted content. The lack of proper input validation in the Link object handling creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where object lifecycle management is insufficient, allowing malicious input to bypass normal execution boundaries. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in PDF readers due to their widespread use and the trust users place in document content. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a malicious PDF file with a specially constructed link object that triggers the vulnerable setAction method when the document is opened or when the user interacts with the link. The resulting code execution occurs within the context of the Foxit Reader process, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive data, modify files, or establish persistence mechanisms. Organizations using Foxit Reader should immediately implement patches from the vendor to address this vulnerability, as it represents a significant risk to endpoint security. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper object validation and defensive programming techniques in preventing exploitation of similar issues. This flaw underscores the need for comprehensive input sanitization and validation in all object-oriented applications, particularly those handling untrusted content from external sources. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and ensure all instances of Foxit Reader are updated to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-476 emphasizes the fundamental nature of the flaw, which is a basic programming error that can have severe consequences when exploited in real-world scenarios.