CVE-2017-16582 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 8.3.2.25013. 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 clearItems XFA method. 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-5288.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16582 represents a critical security flaw in Foxit Reader version 8.3.2.25013 that enables remote code execution through a type confusion condition within the clearItems XFA method. This vulnerability operates under the CWE-476 principle of null pointer dereference and falls within the ATT&CK technique of T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of arbitrary code in a document processing environment. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data, creating a dangerous condition where the application's memory management becomes compromised. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious XFA (XML Forms Architecture) content that triggers the vulnerable clearItems method, leading to unpredictable behavior in the application's memory operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a user interacts with malicious content through either visiting a compromised webpage or opening a specially crafted PDF file containing the malicious XFA payload. The type confusion aspect manifests when the application attempts to process user-supplied data without proper type checking, causing the program to interpret memory locations incorrectly. This misinterpretation can lead to memory corruption that allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit Reader process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction beyond normal document consumption, making it highly effective for social engineering attacks and drive-by downloads that can compromise systems without user awareness.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-16582 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise when attackers leverage additional attack vectors. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Foxit Reader for document processing, potentially exposing sensitive corporate data, enabling persistent backdoors, and allowing attackers to establish footholds for further network infiltration. Since the exploit requires user interaction, security teams must implement comprehensive user awareness training alongside technical controls to mitigate the risk effectively. The vulnerability's classification under ZDI-CAN-5288 indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative as a significant threat requiring immediate attention from software vendors and security professionals. Organizations using vulnerable versions of Foxit Reader face potential data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and significant financial losses due to successful exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16582 should include immediate patching of Foxit Reader to versions that address the type confusion vulnerability in the XFA processing engine. Security administrators should implement network-based controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block malicious XFA content from reaching users. Additional defensive measures include disabling XFA processing in PDF readers when not required, implementing strict document handling policies, and deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software within the organization. The ATT&CK framework recommends implementing process isolation and privilege separation techniques to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, while compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-128 and ISO 27001 provides structured approaches to managing this vulnerability through comprehensive information security management systems.