CVE-2017-17557 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
In Foxit Reader before 9.1 and Foxit PhantomPDF before 9.1, a flaw exists within the parsing of the BITMAPINFOHEADER record in BMP files. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the biSize member, which can result in a heap based buffer overflow. An attacker can leverage this to execute code in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17557 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw affecting Foxit Reader versions prior to 9.1 and Foxit PhantomPDF versions prior to 9.1. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the software's handling of bitmap image files, specifically when processing the BITMAPINFOHEADER structure. The flaw manifests during the parsing of BMP file formats where the application fails to properly validate the biSize member of the BITMAPINFOHEADER record, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Foxit Reader encounters a malformed BMP file containing a specially crafted BITMAPINFOHEADER structure. The biSize member, which should indicate the size of the BITMAPINFOHEADER structure itself, is not properly validated against expected values or bounds. This validation failure allows an attacker to manipulate the biSize field to specify an unexpectedly large value, which then influences how the application allocates memory for the subsequent buffer operations. When the application attempts to read or process data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, it results in a heap-based buffer overflow condition that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it allows attackers to potentially gain complete control over the affected application's execution context. Since the overflow occurs within the heap memory management system, attackers can manipulate pointers, function return addresses, and other critical memory structures to redirect execution flow. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires the victim to open a maliciously crafted BMP file, making this a typical social engineering target that leverages user trust in document viewing applications.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in document processing software. The flaw exists in the core parsing logic of image handling components, which are frequently encountered in office environments where users regularly open various document types. Organizations should consider implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include application whitelisting, sandboxing mechanisms, and regular security updates to protect against such exploits. The vulnerability also highlights the need for adherence to secure coding practices that prevent buffer overflows, including the use of safe string handling functions and proper bounds checking as recommended by the ATT&CK framework's software exploitation techniques. Security teams must prioritize patch management for these types of vulnerabilities, as the window of opportunity for exploitation remains significant until proper updates are deployed across affected systems.
The remediation approach for CVE-2017-17557 requires immediate deployment of Foxit Reader version 9.1 and Foxit PhantomPDF version 9.1, which contain the necessary fixes for the BITMAPINFOHEADER validation logic. Organizations should also implement network-based protections such as content filtering and email scanning to prevent malicious BMP files from reaching end users, while conducting comprehensive vulnerability assessments to ensure all instances of the affected software are updated. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for document processing applications, particularly those handling untrusted file formats that are commonly encountered in enterprise environments.