CVE-2018-17697 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 templates. 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-7170.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2024
CVE-2018-17697 represents a critical buffer overflow vulnerability in Foxit Reader version 9.2.0.9297 that enables remote code execution through improper object validation during template processing. This vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereferences, where the application fails to validate object existence before performing operations on it. The flaw exists within the PDF rendering engine's template handling mechanism, specifically in how the software processes embedded template objects that define document structure and formatting. Attackers can craft malicious PDF files containing specially constructed template elements that trigger the vulnerability when the reader attempts to parse and render these templates. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning victims must either visit a malicious webpage hosting the exploit or open a crafted PDF file, making this a classic client-side attack vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate system interaction.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the Foxit Reader's PDF parser component, particularly when handling template objects that define document layouts. When processing a malicious template, the software attempts to access object properties without first verifying that the object reference is valid or exists within memory. This allows an attacker to manipulate the memory layout of the application by carefully crafting template data that causes the parser to dereference a NULL pointer or access invalid memory locations. The resulting memory corruption can be leveraged to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit Reader process, potentially enabling full system compromise depending on the privileges of the running application. This type of vulnerability represents a classic use-after-free or null pointer dereference scenario that has been documented in numerous security advisories and represents a fundamental flaw in memory management practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17697 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant security implications for organizations relying on Foxit Reader for document processing. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems through phishing campaigns that deliver malicious PDF documents, or through compromised websites that serve malicious content. The vulnerability affects a specific version of Foxit Reader, making it critical for organizations to maintain up-to-date software inventory and implement patch management procedures to prevent exploitation. Given the widespread use of PDF readers in enterprise environments, this vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to establish persistent access to networks, escalate privileges, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that PDF files are commonly shared through email, file transfer protocols, and web-based document management systems, increasing the potential exposure for targeted organizations.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2018-17697, beginning with immediate patch deployment for Foxit Reader version 9.2.0.9297 and subsequent versions that address the template validation flaw. System administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block suspicious PDF content and prevent users from accessing potentially malicious websites. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the damage if exploitation occurs, while user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted PDF files from unknown sources. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual PDF processing activities and potential memory corruption patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider alternative PDF readers or implement sandboxing technologies to isolate PDF processing activities from the core operating system, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation and proper memory management practices in security-critical applications, aligning with industry standards that emphasize defensive programming techniques to prevent similar issues in future software development cycles.