CVE-2018-17693 in PhantomPDF
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit PhantomPDF 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 conversion of HTML files to PDF. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-7130.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17693 represents a critical security flaw in Foxit PhantomPDF version 9.2.0.9297 that enables remote code execution through improper input validation during HTML to PDF conversion processes. This vulnerability falls under the category of buffer over-read conditions, specifically manifesting as a read past the end of an allocated object, which is classified as CWE-125 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw exists within the software's handling of user-supplied data during the conversion of HTML files to PDF format, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning that victims must either visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted malicious file to trigger the attack vector. This requirement places the vulnerability in the realm of social engineering attacks where users are tricked into interacting with malicious content. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it targets the core functionality of PDF processing software, which is widely used across enterprise environments and personal computing platforms. The vulnerability's exploitation results in code execution within the context of the current process, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the affected system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on Foxit PhantomPDF for document processing and management. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can potentially install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems without requiring physical presence or elevated privileges. The vulnerability's classification as ZDI-CAN-7130 indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its severity and the need for immediate remediation. Attackers can leverage this flaw through techniques aligned with the ATT&CK framework's execution tactics, specifically targeting process injection and legitimate system binaries to maintain persistence and escalate privileges.
The technical nature of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and memory management within the PDF conversion library. When processing HTML content, the application fails to properly validate boundaries of allocated memory structures, leading to a situation where read operations extend beyond the intended memory limits. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web-based attacks, making it accessible to threat actors without requiring direct system access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest version of Foxit PhantomPDF, network segmentation to limit exposure, and user education to avoid visiting suspicious websites or opening untrusted files. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious PDF conversion activities can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts.