CVE-2018-17683 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 createIcon method of an app 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-7163.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2024
CVE-2018-17683 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 createIcon method of an application object, creating a dangerous condition where the software attempts to operate on a null or uninitialized object reference. The flaw exists in the object lifecycle management where the application fails to verify whether an object exists before executing operations on it, allowing attackers to manipulate the program flow through crafted malicious content.
The exploitation requires user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted file, making this a client-side attack vector that leverages social engineering tactics. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries establish a foothold by tricking users into executing malicious content. The attack chain begins with the delivery of malicious content that triggers the vulnerable createIcon method, leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the Foxit Reader process.
From a security perspective, this vulnerability represents a severe privilege escalation risk as the attacker can execute code with the same privileges as the Foxit Reader application. The lack of proper object validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially overwrite critical program components. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to potential information disclosure and system compromise, particularly in enterprise environments where Foxit Reader is widely deployed for document viewing and annotation.
The technical exploitation involves crafting malicious PDF content that, when processed by Foxit Reader, causes the application to attempt operations on a non-existent object reference. This behavior can be leveraged to trigger buffer overflows, stack corruption, or other memory-related vulnerabilities that ultimately lead to code execution. Security researchers have identified this vulnerability as particularly dangerous due to its ease of exploitation and the broad attack surface it presents. The vulnerability's classification under ZDI-CAN-7163 indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative and subsequently assigned CVE status, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the vulnerable PDF processing features, deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious content, and ensuring all users receive security updates. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and object lifecycle management in preventing exploitation. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should focus on identifying similar validation flaws in other PDF processing applications. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious file attachments and website visits remains crucial in defending against this type of attack vector.