CVE-2018-17637 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 9.2.0.9297. 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 the loadXML method. 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-6473.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2020
CVE-2018-17637 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.2.0.9297, classified under CWE-476 as "NULL Pointer Dereference" within the loadXML method processing. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation where the application fails to verify object existence before executing operations on it, creating a dangerous condition that allows attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes XML content through the loadXML method, which is commonly used for parsing document metadata and structured content within PDF documents. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious XML content that triggers the vulnerable code path, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current process. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be successfully exploited, meaning targets must either visit a malicious webpage containing the exploit or open a specially crafted malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on victim systems. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as the attacker gains the ability to perform operations within the application's security context, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or data exfiltration. The vulnerability's classification as a NULL pointer dereference indicates that the application attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly initialized, creating a predictable pattern that attackers can exploit through controlled input manipulation. Security researchers have identified this weakness as particularly concerning because it operates within the core document parsing functionality, making it a high-value target for adversaries seeking persistent access to systems. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates how seemingly routine XML processing can become a vector for sophisticated attacks, highlighting the importance of robust input validation in document processing applications. Organizations using Foxit Reader are particularly at risk since the application's widespread use across enterprise environments means a single compromised system can potentially provide attackers with access to sensitive organizational data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious page or opening a document, making it highly effective in social engineering campaigns where users might be tricked into interacting with compromised content. This type of vulnerability is commonly found in applications that process untrusted input from external sources, and Foxit Reader's document handling capabilities make it a prime target for attackers seeking to leverage such flaws. The security implications of this vulnerability extend to compliance requirements, as organizations may fail to meet regulatory standards for protecting sensitive information when such vulnerabilities exist within their document processing software. Mitigation efforts should focus on immediate patch deployment, application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized code, and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability exemplifies the critical need for secure coding practices, particularly around object validation and memory management, as outlined in industry standards for secure software development lifecycle implementation.