CVE-2019-17136 in PhantomPDF
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PhantomPDF 9.5.0.20723. 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 DXF 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 structure. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-8776.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-17136 represents a critical buffer over-read flaw in Foxit PhantomPDF version 9.5.0.20723 that enables remote code execution through malicious DXF file processing. This vulnerability operates under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions where programs access memory locations beyond the bounds of allocated structures. The flaw manifests during the conversion process of DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) files to PDF documents, a common functionality within PDF viewers that allows users to import vector graphics and technical drawings. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction, meaning that victims must either visit a malicious webpage hosting the crafted DXF file or open a maliciously crafted file directly, making this a targeted attack vector rather than a fully automated remote exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the DXF parsing component of the Foxit PhantomPDF application. When processing DXF files, the software fails to properly validate the structure and boundaries of user-supplied data, particularly in how it handles certain metadata fields within the DXF format. This inadequate validation allows an attacker to craft a malicious DXF file that, when processed by the vulnerable software, causes the application to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The resulting buffer over-read can lead to information disclosure, application instability, or more critically, arbitrary code execution within the context of the running process. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the compromised PDF viewer process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within targeted environments. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the currently running user, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within networks where Foxit PhantomPDF is deployed. Organizations using this software in enterprise environments face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be leveraged through phishing campaigns targeting office workers who regularly handle technical documents or through compromised websites hosting malicious DXF files. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring physical access or direct system interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently access external content or documents from untrusted sources. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability exists within the broader category of memory safety issues that have historically been a primary attack surface for sophisticated adversaries, as evidenced by similar flaws in other PDF processing libraries and office applications. The presence of this vulnerability in a widely used PDF viewer like Foxit PhantomPDF increases the potential attack surface significantly, as the software is commonly deployed across various industries including engineering, architecture, and manufacturing where DXF file handling is prevalent.