CVE-2017-15771 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
Foxit Reader 8.3.2.25013 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service via a crafted .xps file, related to "Data from Faulting Address controls subsequent Write Address starting at msvcrt!memmove+0x0000000000000158."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15771 represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting Foxit Reader version 8.3.2.25013 that enables remote code execution and denial of service attacks through maliciously crafted .xps files. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation during the processing of structured document formats, specifically targeting the memory management functions within the application's parsing pipeline. The flaw manifests when the application encounters malformed XPS (XML Paper Specification) documents that trigger unexpected behavior in the msvcrt!memmove function, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can influence memory operations.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability operates through a classic buffer overflow scenario where the faulting address data directly controls subsequent write operations within the memory management subsystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, though it manifests in heap memory operations due to the nature of the memmove function implementation. The msvcrt!memmove+0x0000000000000158 address indicates the specific location within the Microsoft C Runtime library where the memory corruption occurs, suggesting that the vulnerability exploits a weakness in how the application handles memory copying operations during document parsing. Attackers can manipulate the input data to overwrite memory locations that control program execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it provides attackers with multiple attack vectors for system compromise. When an unsuspecting user opens a maliciously crafted .xps file, the application's document processing engine triggers the vulnerable code path, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because XPS files are commonly used for document sharing and can be easily embedded in email attachments, web downloads, or shared network drives. The denial of service component of this vulnerability means that even if code execution cannot be achieved, attackers can still cause the application to crash repeatedly, rendering it unusable for legitimate users and creating persistent availability issues.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating Foxit Reader to versions that address this vulnerability, as well as deploying application whitelisting solutions to prevent execution of untrusted .xps files. Network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious file transfers containing XPS documents. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for document processing and establishing strict file format validation policies. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other document processing applications, as this type of memory corruption flaw is common in software that handles complex document formats. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in preventing exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to complete system compromise.