CVE-2020-10907 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 handling of widgets in XFA forms. 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-10650.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2024
CVE-2020-10907 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability in Foxit Reader version 9.7.1.29511 that demonstrates a classic object validation flaw in the XFA form processing subsystem. This vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereferences and improper object validation, making it a prime example of how insufficient input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution in document processing applications. The flaw manifests when Foxit Reader processes XFA forms containing malicious widgets, where the application fails to verify whether objects exist before attempting operations on them, creating a predictable exploitation vector for remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of object references within the XFA form parsing engine, where the software assumes certain objects are present without validating their existence. When a malicious XFA form is processed, the application attempts to perform operations on non-existent objects, leading to memory corruption that attackers can manipulate to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit Reader process. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers exploitation for execution through manipulation of application input validation mechanisms, and specifically maps to the broader category of privilege escalation through application sandbox bypass.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users frequently encounter untrusted PDF documents. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or PDF files containing specially crafted XFA forms that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, automatically trigger the vulnerability and provide remote access to the target system. The requirement for user interaction through visiting malicious pages or opening malicious files makes this vulnerability susceptible to phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks, but once exploited, the attacker gains full control over the compromised system with the privileges of the Foxit Reader process.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, including deploying patches from Foxit Corporation as soon as they become available, implementing strict PDF file filtering policies, and educating users about the dangers of opening untrusted PDF documents. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help detect and block malicious XFA form content, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious process behavior and memory access patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper object validation, particularly in applications that process untrusted input from external sources, aligning with industry standards that emphasize the need for defensive programming techniques to prevent similar flaws in future software development cycles.