CVE-2022-28673 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE • 07/18/2022
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PDF Reader 11.2.1.53537. 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 Doc objects. 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-16641.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28673 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Foxit PDF Reader version 11.2.1.53537. This security weakness falls under the category of improper input validation and can be classified as CWE-476, which specifically addresses null pointer dereferences and improper object validation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the application's handling of Document (Doc) objects, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can manipulate the PDF processing pipeline to achieve unauthorized code execution. The flaw exists in the core object management system where the application fails to verify whether a Doc object actually exists before attempting to perform operations on it, creating a fundamental security gap that can be leveraged by attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can craft malicious PDF documents or web pages that, when opened or visited by an unsuspecting user, trigger the vulnerable code path. The exploitation requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted PDF file, making this a typical client-side attack vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. Once executed, the malicious code operates within the context of the current process, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the affected system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PDF readers are frequently used for document sharing and collaboration, as it can bypass traditional network security controls by exploiting the client-side application directly.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic object lifecycle management error where the application does not properly validate object existence before dereferencing pointers or invoking methods on potentially null objects. This flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at a low level within the PDF processing engine, where the application handles complex document structures and embedded content. The lack of proper validation creates a window of opportunity for attackers to inject malicious payloads that can manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary instructions. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly attractive for widespread exploitation campaigns. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to create more sophisticated attack vectors, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-28673 should focus on immediate patch management and user education to address both the technical and operational aspects of this vulnerability. Organizations must prioritize updating Foxit PDF Reader to versions that contain the necessary security patches, as the vulnerability remains exploitable in affected versions. Additionally, implementing network-based controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent users from accessing malicious content that could trigger this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider deploying sandboxing mechanisms for PDF processing and implementing strict access controls for PDF-related applications. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, making it essential for organizations to maintain comprehensive monitoring and incident response procedures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software within the organization's infrastructure, as this type of flaw can persist across multiple systems and applications that rely on similar PDF processing libraries.