CVE-2018-17641 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 deleteItem method of a TimeField. 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-6478.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2020
CVE-2018-17641 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.2.0.9297, classified under CWE-476 as a NULL Pointer Dereference. This vulnerability resides within the TimeField class's deleteItem method where insufficient input validation leads to improper object existence verification before operations are performed. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the application's memory management through crafted PDF files, creating conditions where a null pointer dereference occurs during object deletion operations. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, meaning victims must either visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted PDF file containing the malicious payload. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems. The security implications extend beyond simple code execution, as the vulnerability operates within the context of the current process, potentially allowing privilege escalation if the application runs with elevated permissions. The root cause stems from inadequate bounds checking and object validation mechanisms within the PDF parsing library, specifically in how TimeField objects are managed during document processing. This vulnerability demonstrates the dangerous consequences of improper memory management in document readers, where manipulation of PDF structures can lead to arbitrary code execution. The ZDI-CAN-6478 reference indicates this vulnerability was independently discovered and tracked by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity landscape. The impact of this vulnerability extends to enterprise environments where Foxit Reader is widely deployed for document viewing, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within network boundaries. Organizations using this software face heightened risk of targeted attacks, particularly in environments where users may encounter malicious PDF content through email attachments or web browsing activities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks against specific user groups. Security professionals should consider implementing network-based mitigations including PDF file filtering and web application firewalls to prevent exploitation attempts, while also ensuring timely patch deployment to address the underlying object validation flaws. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation and proper error handling in document processing applications, particularly those handling complex data structures like PDF time fields and their associated methods.