CVE-2018-17684 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 isPropertySpecified method. 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-6470.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2024
This vulnerability in Foxit Reader 9.2.0.9297 represents a critical remote code execution flaw that demonstrates poor input validation and object safety practices within the software's PDF processing engine. The vulnerability specifically resides in the handling of the isPropertySpecified method, which fails to properly validate whether an object exists before attempting operations on it. This fundamental flaw creates a path for attackers to exploit the application through carefully crafted malicious content, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of PDF readers in enterprise and personal environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which describes NULL Pointer Dereference conditions where a pointer that is expected to point to a valid object is NULL. In this case, the absence of proper object existence validation before method invocation creates a scenario where a null pointer dereference can occur, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability requires user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a malicious PDF file, which places it within the category of client-side attacks that leverage social engineering tactics to deliver payloads.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit Reader process, which typically runs with the privileges of the currently logged-in user. This means that successful exploitation could result in full system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of additional malicious software. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue makes it particularly attractive to threat actors as it allows them to compromise systems without requiring physical access or local network presence. The fact that it was tracked as ZDI-CAN-6470 indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative as a significant security concern requiring immediate attention.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest version of Foxit Reader where the vulnerability has been patched, deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and implementing user education programs to avoid visiting suspicious websites or opening untrusted PDF files. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, which emphasizes how attackers can leverage client-side vulnerabilities to gain initial access to systems. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user privileges can significantly reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.