CVE-2018-17663 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 importData 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-6517.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2020
CVE-2018-17663 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.2.0.9297, classified under CWE-476 as NULL Pointer Dereference. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the importData method of a Host object, creating a dangerous condition where the application attempts to operate on an object that may not exist. The flaw operates at the core level of the document processing engine, where the Host object's importData method fails to verify object existence before executing operations. This validation gap allows attackers to craft malicious PDF documents or web pages that trigger the vulnerable code path when processed by the affected software. The vulnerability requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted PDF file, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to significant risk as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently running Foxit Reader process. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as the vulnerability can be exploited to bypass security controls, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability's exploitation process involves manipulating the Host object's importData method to trigger a NULL pointer dereference, which can be leveraged to load and execute malicious payloads. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper object lifecycle management in security-sensitive applications. The issue highlights the necessity of implementing robust defensive programming practices, including null pointer checks, proper error handling, and comprehensive validation of all external inputs. Organizations using Foxit Reader should prioritize immediate patching and consider implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
The vulnerability's classification as a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability reflects the fundamental programming error where memory access occurs without proper validation of object existence. This weakness creates a predictable execution path that attackers can exploit through controlled input manipulation. The specific context of the Host object's importData method suggests this is likely part of a broader plugin architecture or scripting environment within Foxit Reader that allows external content to interact with the application's core functionality. The requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against through network-level controls alone, as it requires endpoint protection and user awareness training. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities often stem from insufficient bounds checking and lack of proper exception handling in complex software applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under initial access and execution phases, where adversaries leverage software flaws to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The exploitation of this vulnerability could potentially lead to complete system compromise, especially when combined with other attack vectors or when targeting privileged users. Organizations should implement layered security approaches including regular software updates, application whitelisting, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability's existence also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments of third-party software components that handle untrusted data inputs.