CVE-2018-17680 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 style property of a Field 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-6915.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2024
CVE-2018-17680 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.2.0.9297, classified under CWE-476 which denotes NULL Pointer Dereference. This vulnerability resides within the PDF processing engine's handling of Field objects, specifically when processing the style property attribute. The flaw occurs due to insufficient input validation where the application fails to verify whether an object reference exists before attempting to access or manipulate its properties. This primitive error creates a predictable exploitation vector that allows attackers to craft malicious PDF documents designed to trigger the vulnerable code path during normal document rendering operations.
The exploitation mechanism requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage that hosts a crafted PDF file or opening a specially prepared malicious document. When the vulnerable Foxit Reader processes such a document, the application attempts to access a null or improperly initialized Field object during style property handling, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability operates at the application level within the PDF rendering context, effectively allowing an attacker to execute code with the privileges of the currently running Foxit Reader process. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Foxit Reader's widespread deployment in enterprise environments where users frequently open PDF documents from untrusted sources.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on Foxit Reader for document processing and viewing. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can compromise systems without requiring physical access or complex initial footholds. The execution occurs within the context of the current process, which typically runs with the privileges of the user who opened the document, potentially enabling privilege escalation scenarios. The vulnerability's classification under the ZDI-CAN-6915 identifier indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative and treated as a serious security concern requiring immediate attention. Organizations using Foxit Reader are particularly vulnerable as the software is widely deployed across various industries including finance, healthcare, and government sectors where document security is paramount.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through official security updates provided by Foxit Corporation, as well as implementing network-based controls such as PDF content filtering and web application firewalls to prevent access to malicious PDF content. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of opening untrusted PDF documents, particularly those received via email or downloaded from unknown sources. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and object lifecycle management in software development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers Exploitation for Client Execution. Additional defensive measures include restricting user privileges when opening PDF files, implementing sandboxing mechanisms for document processing, and maintaining up-to-date vulnerability management procedures to quickly respond to similar threats in the future.