CVE-2018-17638 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 getAttribute 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-6474.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2020
CVE-2018-17638 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.2.0.9297, classified under CWE-476 as "NULL Pointer Dereference" and aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" within the execution phase. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the PDF parsing engine, specifically in how the application handles the getAttribute method when processing maliciously crafted PDF documents. The flaw occurs when the application attempts to access object properties without first verifying that the target object exists, creating a path for attackers to manipulate memory structures through crafted PDF content. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, meaning victims must either visit a malicious webpage hosting a compromised PDF or open a malicious file directly, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and targeted attacks. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit Reader process, potentially enabling full system compromise. The attack vector leverages the PDF object model's handling of attribute access, where the application's failure to validate object existence before method invocation creates a predictable crash scenario that can be weaponized through carefully crafted memory corruption techniques. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege by allowing privilege escalation from standard user context to potentially full system access, particularly when Foxit Reader is configured to automatically open PDF attachments or when users navigate to malicious sites containing embedded PDF content. The security implications extend beyond simple code execution as this flaw could enable attackers to bypass security controls, establish persistent access, or deploy additional malware payloads. Organizations using Foxit Reader should immediately implement mitigations including disabling automatic PDF opening, implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious PDF content, and ensuring timely patch deployment when vendor updates become available. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in PDF processing applications and highlights how seemingly benign parsing operations can become attack surfaces when proper object validation is omitted. This flaw aligns with broader ATT&CK tactics involving initial access through malicious documents and execution through compromised applications, emphasizing the need for comprehensive endpoint protection strategies that include application whitelisting and sandboxed PDF viewing environments.