CVE-2017-16583 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 datasets element of XFA forms. 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-5289.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2019
CVE-2017-16583 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 8.3.2.25013 and potentially other versions within the same release cycle. This vulnerability resides within the XFA (XML Forms Architecture) form processing functionality of the PDF reader application, specifically within the datasets element handling. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to verify object existence before executing operations on them, creating a classic null pointer dereference scenario that can be exploited by remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Foxit Reader processes malicious XFA forms containing specially crafted datasets elements. When the application encounters a malformed or crafted dataset structure, it attempts to perform operations on objects that have not been properly initialized or validated. This condition creates an exploitable state where memory corruption can occur, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the running Foxit Reader process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the parsing level of PDF form processing, making it difficult to detect through conventional security measures.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability requires user interaction to be successfully exploited, meaning that attackers must convince victims to visit malicious websites or open compromised PDF files containing the malicious XFA forms. This requirement significantly reduces the attack surface compared to fully automated exploits, but it does not eliminate the risk entirely. The attack vector typically involves social engineering campaigns where users are directed to malicious web pages hosting crafted PDF documents or through email attachments containing infected files. The execution context of the exploit operates within the privileges of the current user running Foxit Reader, potentially allowing for privilege escalation depending on the system configuration and user permissions.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions, and it demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Exploitation for Client Execution" with potential lateral movement implications. Organizations using Foxit Reader should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest available version, disabling XFA form processing in the application settings, and implementing web filtering controls to prevent access to known malicious domains. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted PDF files and should avoid visiting suspicious websites that may host malicious content. Network administrators should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for PDF processing and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and object lifecycle management in client-side applications, particularly those handling complex document formats where user interaction is required for exploitation.