CVE-2018-17674 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 name property of Annotation objects. 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-6845.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2020
This vulnerability in Foxit Reader 9.2.0.9297 represents a critical remote code execution flaw that demonstrates poor input validation practices in document processing software. The vulnerability stems from insufficient object validation within the annotation handling mechanism, specifically when processing the name property of annotation objects. This type of flaw commonly falls under CWE-476 which describes NULL Pointer Dereference, though the broader implications extend to improper input validation and object lifecycle management. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios or when users are tricked into opening malicious PDF files containing crafted annotation objects.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the parsing of PDF documents where Foxit Reader attempts to process annotation objects without first verifying that the required object structures exist or are properly initialized. When an attacker crafts a malicious PDF file containing malformed annotation data with a specially crafted name property, the reader's parser fails to validate the object reference before attempting operations on it. This allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit Reader process. The exploitation leverages the principle of object-oriented programming where dereferencing a null or invalid object pointer leads to unpredictable behavior, including code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold on targeted systems. Since Foxit Reader is commonly used for opening business documents, PDF files, and other critical content, the attack surface is extensive and the potential for successful exploitation increases significantly. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where PDF processing is a common activity. Attackers can leverage this weakness to deploy malware, establish persistence, or escalate privileges depending on the execution context. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers can execute commands through compromised applications.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Foxit Reader, implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls, and deploying user education programs to avoid opening suspicious PDF files. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and defensive programming practices. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems that can identify suspicious PDF processing behavior. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting PDF file execution capabilities can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all input data, particularly in document processing applications that must handle untrusted content from external sources.