CVE-2017-14825 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 remove method of XFAScriptObject objects. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a type confusion condition. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5017.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2019
This vulnerability in Foxit Reader 8.3.1.21155 represents a critical remote code execution flaw that demonstrates the dangerous consequences of inadequate input validation in PDF reader software. The vulnerability exists within the XFAScriptObject's remove method, where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied data before processing it. This type confusion condition occurs when the software incorrectly handles data types during object manipulation, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled data can influence the program's execution flow. The vulnerability's classification as a type confusion issue aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereferences and improper type handling in software applications. The attack vector requires user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a crafted malicious file, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter such content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the type confusion condition to manipulate memory structures within the Foxit Reader process, ultimately allowing remote code execution with the privileges of the current user. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can execute arbitrary code through the compromised application. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation since it operates within the context of the running Foxit Reader process, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive documents, execute further malicious payloads, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The fact that this vulnerability was tracked as ZDI-CAN-5017 indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community and the need for immediate remediation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of all Foxit Reader installations, as the remote code execution capability makes it particularly dangerous in networked environments. The vulnerability's requirement for user interaction provides an opportunity for security awareness training to reduce risk, though this does not eliminate the need for technical mitigations. System administrators should consider implementing network-based protections such as web proxies that can filter malicious content and restrict access to known malicious domains. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper memory management in software development, particularly for applications that process untrusted data like PDF readers. The security community should note that vulnerabilities of this nature often indicate broader issues in application architecture, suggesting that similar flaws may exist in other components of the software or in similar applications that process structured data through scripting interfaces.