CVE-2017-14834 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 style attribute of FileAttachment annotation 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-5026.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2019
CVE-2017-14834 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 8.3.1.21155, classified under CWE-476 as a null pointer dereference vulnerability. This flaw resides within the processing of FileAttachment annotation objects, specifically in how the software handles the style attribute of these objects. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation where the application fails to verify whether an object exists before attempting operations on it, creating a dangerous condition where null pointers can be dereferenced leading to arbitrary code execution. The attack requires user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a malicious file, making it particularly insidious as it can be delivered through social engineering campaigns or compromised websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic null pointer dereference pattern that allows attackers to manipulate the application's memory management. When Foxit Reader processes a FileAttachment annotation object with a malformed style attribute, the software attempts to access a null object reference without proper validation checks. This behavior can be exploited through carefully crafted PDF files that contain maliciously constructed annotation objects designed to trigger the vulnerable code path. The exploitation occurs within the context of the current process, meaning that successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the Foxit Reader application, potentially leading to full system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Foxit Reader for document processing, as it enables remote code execution without requiring any privileged access or specialized equipment. The requirement for user interaction makes it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where adversaries can craft convincing phishing campaigns or compromise legitimate websites to deliver malicious PDF content. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) indicates that it fits within the broader category of attacks that leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems, making it a prime candidate for inclusion in advanced persistent threat campaigns.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation through patching Foxit Reader to versions that address this vulnerability, as the ZDI-CAN-5026 reference indicates that the issue was properly identified and addressed by the vendor. Additionally, implementing network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help detect and block malicious PDF content before it reaches end users. Administrators should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of opening untrusted PDF files and visiting suspicious websites. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and object existence checking in application security, particularly in software that processes untrusted document formats where memory safety and input sanitization are paramount considerations for preventing remote code execution attacks.