CVE-2018-17652 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 mandatory property 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-6502.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2020
CVE-2018-17652 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.2.0.9297 that demonstrates a classic null pointer dereference flaw in the PDF processing engine. This vulnerability resides within the TimeField mandatory property handling mechanism, where the application fails to validate object existence before performing operations on it. The flaw constitutes a CWE-476 weakness, specifically a null pointer dereference, which allows attackers to manipulate the application's memory access patterns through crafted PDF documents. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, meaning a victim must either visit a malicious webpage hosting a compromised PDF or open a malicious file directly, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios or when users encounter infected documents in legitimate contexts. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that Foxit Reader is widely used for document viewing and editing, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking persistent access to endpoints. The vulnerability operates by leveraging the absence of proper null checks during TimeField property processing, which allows an attacker to inject malicious code that executes within the context of the current process, potentially escalating privileges and gaining full system control. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the code execution occurs in the same security context as the vulnerable application. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments where vulnerable systems exist. The vulnerability's exploitation process involves crafting a malicious PDF document containing a specially constructed TimeField object that triggers the improper object validation, leading to arbitrary code execution. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where input validation and object existence checks are insufficiently implemented, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass application security controls. The flaw's persistence across multiple operating systems where Foxit Reader is deployed makes it particularly concerning for enterprise environments with diverse computing platforms. Organizations should prioritize patch management and application hardening measures to mitigate this vulnerability, as the lack of automatic updates in many deployment scenarios can leave systems exposed for extended periods. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw underscores the critical need for comprehensive security controls including network segmentation, application whitelisting, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper software development lifecycle practices, particularly in handling user-supplied data within PDF processing applications, where the complexity of PDF structures creates numerous potential attack vectors. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction, making it particularly effective for social engineering campaigns where users are tricked into opening malicious documents. Security teams should implement monitoring for suspicious PDF-related activities and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing this type of vulnerability. The presence of this vulnerability in a widely used PDF reader demonstrates how third-party applications can serve as attack vectors for broader network compromise, emphasizing the need for comprehensive application security assessments and vulnerability management programs.