CVE-2018-17667 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 print 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-6521.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2020
CVE-2018-17667 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.2.0.9297, classified under CWE-476 as "Null Pointer Dereference" within the context of improper object validation. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation during the processing of the print method within a Host object, creating a dangerous condition where an attacker can manipulate the application's execution flow through maliciously crafted PDF content. The flaw operates at the core of object-oriented programming practices where the application fails to verify whether a referenced object exists before attempting operations on it, leading to a scenario where a null pointer dereference can be exploited to gain arbitrary code execution privileges.
The exploitation mechanism requires user interaction, making this a typical client-side attack vector that relies on social engineering tactics to deliver malicious payloads. Attackers can craft specially designed PDF documents or host malicious web pages that, when opened or viewed by an unsuspecting user, trigger the vulnerable code path. The vulnerability exists specifically within the print method handling of Host objects, which suggests that the issue occurs during document rendering or printing operations, providing attackers with multiple potential attack surfaces depending on how the application processes print commands. This particular weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of application vulnerabilities to execute code, and represents a common pattern in document reader applications where object model manipulation can lead to privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation allows attackers to operate within the security context of the current process, potentially leading to full system compromise depending on the privileges of the user running Foxit Reader. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can compromise systems without requiring physical access or local network presence, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious content through email attachments, web browsing, or file downloads. The fact that this vulnerability was tracked as ZDI-CAN-6521 indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative and was likely patched through coordinated disclosure practices, highlighting the severity and widespread potential impact of such flaws in widely deployed software applications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment, as the vulnerability was addressed through software updates that properly validate object existence before operations are performed. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to prevent access to known malicious domains, while also educating users about the risks of opening untrusted PDF files. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user privileges can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that even if an attacker gains code execution capabilities, they cannot easily escalate privileges or access sensitive system resources. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and proper object handling in preventing remote code execution scenarios within document processing applications.