CVE-2019-20822 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the 3D Plugin Beta for Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 9.7.0.29430. It has an out-of-bounds write via incorrect image data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20822 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the 3D Plugin Beta component of Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF applications. This issue affects versions prior to 9.7.0.29430 and demonstrates a fundamental memory safety problem that can be exploited by malicious actors to compromise system integrity. The vulnerability resides in the handling of image data within the 3D plugin functionality, where improper bounds checking allows attackers to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries.
The technical nature of this flaw falls under CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions in software systems. When processing 3D content through the affected plugin, the application fails to properly validate the size and structure of incoming image data before attempting to write it to memory. This allows an attacker to craft malicious 3D documents that trigger memory corruption during the rendering process, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within a plugin environment that is often enabled by default in PDF readers, making exploitation more likely in real-world scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-20822 extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can enable attackers to achieve remote code execution on vulnerable systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by embedding malicious 3D content within PDF documents, which when opened by an affected version of Foxit Reader or PhantomPDF, triggers the out-of-bounds write condition. This creates a significant attack surface since PDF documents are commonly shared via email, web downloads, and other distribution channels. The vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering techniques where users are诱导 to open seemingly legitimate documents containing crafted 3D content.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could lead to full system compromise. Organizations using Foxit Reader or PhantomPDF should prioritize immediate patching to version 9.7.0.29430 or later, as this represents the first fixed release addressing the out-of-bounds write condition. Additionally, implementing network-based protections such as PDF content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in plugin architectures, particularly when handling complex multimedia content like 3D graphics within document processing applications.