CVE-2018-17615 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 9.0.1.5096. 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 handling of Mouse Exit events. 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 in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-6333.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2020
CVE-2018-17615 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.5096, classified under CWE-476 as "Null Pointer Dereference" within the context of improper object validation. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation during the processing of Mouse Exit events, where the application fails to verify whether an object reference exists before attempting to perform operations on it. The flaw creates a dangerous condition where a null pointer dereference can occur, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user process.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted malicious file, making it a prime example of a client-side attack vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution. The attack scenario begins when a user interacts with a malicious document or webpage that contains crafted mouse event handlers designed to trigger the vulnerable code path. When the application processes the Mouse Exit event, it attempts to access an object that has not been properly validated, leading to a potential crash or code execution.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Foxit Reader for document processing, as it can be leveraged to bypass traditional security controls and execute malicious payloads directly on target systems. The vulnerability's exploitation occurs within the application's memory space, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware components. The lack of proper object validation creates an attack surface that can be extended to include privilege escalation scenarios, particularly if the application runs with elevated permissions or has access to sensitive system resources.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the vulnerable Mouse Exit event handling functionality, applying vendor patches when available, and implementing network-based controls such as web application firewalls to block access to known malicious domains. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and object lifecycle management in client-side applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted documents and the implementation of application whitelisting policies can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation in enterprise environments.