CVE-2018-17619 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 Validate 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-6352.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2023
CVE-2018-17619 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.5096, demonstrating a classic object validation flaw that aligns with CWE-476 which identifies null pointer dereferences and improper object validation as common security weaknesses. The vulnerability specifically manifests within the PDF document processing engine when handling Validate events, where the application fails to properly validate whether an object exists before attempting operations on it. This fundamental flaw in input validation creates a condition where an attacker can craft malicious PDF files or web pages that trigger the vulnerable code path, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user process. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning victims must either visit a malicious webpage hosting the exploit or open a specially crafted malicious PDF file, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks. The exploitation mechanism leverages the lack of proper object existence checking during Validate event processing, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's memory state and execute malicious code within the context of the Foxit Reader process. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to complete system compromise, as the executed code operates with the same permissions as the legitimate application. The issue is particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective as it enables attackers to bypass traditional security controls that might protect against other attack vectors, since the exploitation occurs within the legitimate application environment. Organizations using Foxit Reader should prioritize immediate patching, as this vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise security. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting how attackers can leverage such flaws to establish persistent access. The vulnerability also relates to T1190 which covers Exploit Public-Facing Application, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise end-user systems through web-based attacks. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow attackers to install additional malware, steal sensitive data, or establish backdoors within the victim's system. Security professionals should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to prevent access to malicious content, while also monitoring for unusual process execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and object lifecycle management in software development, particularly in applications that process untrusted data from external sources. This flaw exemplifies why security testing, including dynamic and static analysis, should be integrated early in the software development lifecycle to identify and remediate such critical vulnerabilities before they can be exploited in the wild.