CVE-2020-10906 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit Reader 9.7.1.29511. 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 resetForm 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-10614.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2025
CVE-2020-10906 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.7.1.29511 that demonstrates a classic object validation flaw in the PDF rendering engine. This vulnerability resides within the resetForm method of the application's JavaScript execution environment, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to manipulate object references before operations are performed. The flaw constitutes a direct violation of CWE-476 which addresses null pointer dereference conditions, specifically manifesting as improper validation of object existence before method invocation. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, meaning a victim must either visit a malicious webpage containing crafted PDF content or open a specially crafted PDF file that triggers the vulnerable code path. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which describes exploitation of web applications through malicious content delivery. The security implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as the vulnerability enables arbitrary code execution within the context of the Foxit Reader process, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the victim's system. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious code with the same privileges as the Foxit Reader application, which typically runs with user-level permissions but could potentially be leveraged for further system compromise. The root cause stems from the application's failure to properly validate object references within the JavaScript engine before attempting operations on them, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute unintended code sequences. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PDF readers are frequently used for document sharing and business communications, as it can be exploited through spear-phishing campaigns targeting specific users or through compromised websites that deliver malicious PDF content. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is amplified by the fact that Foxit Reader is widely deployed across various industries including finance, healthcare, and government sectors where sensitive information is regularly processed through PDF documents. Organizations should prioritize patch management and application hardening measures to address this vulnerability, as the combination of remote exploitability and user interaction requirements makes it particularly suitable for targeted attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and object lifecycle management in PDF processing applications, particularly those implementing JavaScript engines for enhanced document functionality. Security professionals should implement network monitoring for suspicious PDF-related traffic patterns and consider deploying application whitelisting controls to limit the execution of potentially malicious PDF content. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all object references in scripting environments and demonstrates how seemingly minor validation gaps can lead to severe security consequences in widely used software applications.