CVE-2018-17662 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 beep method of a Host object. 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-6514.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2020
CVE-2018-17662 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.2.0.9297, demonstrating a classic object validation flaw that aligns with CWE-476. This vulnerability resides within the PDF reader's handling of the beep method associated with a Host object, where insufficient input validation permits attackers to manipulate object references without proper existence checks. The flaw occurs during the processing of malicious PDF content that triggers the problematic Host object method, creating an exploitable condition where arbitrary code execution becomes possible within the application's security context. The vulnerability requires user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a crafted PDF file, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios where social engineering can be employed to deliver the payload.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper object reference validation within the Foxit Reader's JavaScript execution environment, which operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for JavaScript and VBScript. When a malicious PDF document is processed, the reader's JavaScript engine encounters a Host object reference that has not been validated for existence, allowing an attacker to manipulate the execution flow through carefully crafted object references. This creates a path where attacker-controlled data can influence the application's behavior, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user. The vulnerability's exploitation mechanism is particularly concerning because it operates within the PDF reader's legitimate execution context, making detection more challenging for traditional security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable full system compromise when combined with other attack vectors or when the target system has elevated privileges. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware payloads through the compromised reader application. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers do not require local system access to exploit it, making it particularly attractive for large-scale attacks. Organizations using Foxit Reader 9.2.0.9297 are at significant risk, as the vulnerability can be triggered through legitimate PDF document delivery methods, including email attachments, web downloads, or document sharing platforms. The exploitability characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers target client-side applications to gain remote access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-17662 should focus on immediate patching of affected Foxit Reader installations, as this vulnerability has been addressed through official security updates from the vendor. Organizations should implement network-based controls such as web application firewalls and PDF content filtering to block potentially malicious documents before they reach end users. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the dangers of opening unexpected PDF files from untrusted sources. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized code within the reader environment. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with industry best practices for addressing memory safety issues and demonstrates the importance of proper object validation in software development processes, particularly in applications that process untrusted input data through complex scripting engines.