CVE-2017-16588 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information 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 parsing of SOT markers. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated object. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-4976.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2023
CVE-2017-16588 represents a critical information disclosure vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 8.3.1.21155 that demonstrates a classic buffer over-read condition in the software's SOT (Section Object Table) marker parsing functionality. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read errors that occur when a program reads data past the boundaries of a valid buffer allocation. The flaw manifests when the PDF reader processes malformed SOT markers within maliciously crafted PDF documents, creating a scenario where memory access extends beyond allocated buffer limits.
The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit successfully, meaning that an attacker must convince a target to visit a malicious webpage hosting compromised PDF content or open a specifically crafted malicious file. This user interaction requirement aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the exploitation of software vulnerabilities through user engagement with malicious content. The technical implementation of this flaw involves improper validation of user-supplied data during the parsing process, where the application fails to adequately check bounds before accessing memory locations. This inadequate input validation creates an opportunity for attackers to read memory contents beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information including stack contents, heap data, or other memory segments that could contain credentials, encryption keys, or other confidential data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated exploitation techniques. The read past the end of an allocated object creates opportunities for attackers to gather enough information to facilitate subsequent code execution attacks, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities present in the same software environment. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations using Foxit Reader, as the software is widely deployed in enterprise environments for PDF document handling, making it an attractive target for adversaries seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. The combination of remote exploitability, user interaction requirement, and potential for code execution makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Foxit Reader, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious PDF content, and conducting user awareness training to prevent accidental interaction with malicious content. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing sandboxing techniques for PDF processing and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in document processing applications, particularly those handling untrusted content from external sources. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds that might reveal active exploitation attempts against vulnerable systems.