CVE-2017-7442 in Nitro Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Nitro Pro 11.0.3.173 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via saveAs and launchURL calls with directory traversal sequences.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7442 affects Nitro Pro version 11.0.3.173 and represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability manifests through the improper handling of saveAs and launchURL function calls, which are commonly used within PDF processing applications to manage file operations and external URL launching. The flaw occurs when these functions process directory traversal sequences, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and potentially gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Nitro Pro application's file handling mechanisms. When the saveAs function processes user-supplied data containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the application fails to properly validate these inputs before executing file operations. Similarly, the launchURL function does not adequately sanitize URL parameters that might contain malicious path manipulation attempts. This lack of proper validation creates an environment where attackers can craft specially formatted inputs that bypass normal security controls and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within targeted environments. Remote exploitation of this flaw means that attackers do not require physical access to systems or local network presence to leverage the vulnerability. The directory traversal sequences can be embedded within PDF documents or web-based interfaces that interact with Nitro Pro, making the attack surface particularly broad. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to enterprise environments where Nitro Pro is widely deployed for document processing and collaboration.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting through the command and control channel, as attackers could potentially use the arbitrary code execution capability to deploy malicious scripts or payloads. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest available version of Nitro Pro, implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, and monitoring for suspicious file operations or URL launching activities. Additionally, input validation controls should be strengthened at all application interfaces to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other document processing applications within the environment.