CVE-2022-28681 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE • 07/18/2022
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information 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 deletePages method. By performing actions in JavaScript, an attacker can trigger a read past the end of an allocated object. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-16825.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28681 represents a critical information disclosure flaw affecting Foxit PDF Reader version 11.2.1.53537 and potentially other affected versions. This security weakness resides within the application's JavaScript execution environment and specifically targets the deletePages method functionality. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with a buffer over-read condition that can be exploited through malicious web content or crafted PDF files. Security researchers have classified this issue as requiring user interaction for exploitation, meaning that successful attack vectors must entice users to visit compromised websites or open maliciously crafted documents. The attack surface is particularly concerning given the widespread use of PDF readers in enterprise environments and the typical user behavior of opening attachments or visiting untrusted web pages without adequate security awareness.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the deletePages method implementation. When JavaScript code executes operations that manipulate page deletion functionality, the underlying code fails to validate array boundaries or object memory limits before performing read operations. This memory access violation occurs when the application attempts to read data beyond the allocated memory space of an object, creating a predictable pattern that can be leveraged by attackers to extract sensitive information from adjacent memory regions. The flaw manifests as a read past the end of an allocated object condition, which according to CWE-125, represents a common class of buffer over-read vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of JavaScript code that specifically targets the deletePages method, making it more sophisticated than typical buffer overflow scenarios but still highly dangerous due to the potential for information disclosure.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-28681 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more severe attacks when combined with other vulnerabilities present in the same application or system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability as part of a multi-stage attack chain where the information disclosure serves as a reconnaissance phase to gather system details, memory layouts, or credential information. The vulnerability's ability to execute code in the context of the current process aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution, making it particularly dangerous in environments where PDF readers are frequently used for document processing. This vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where PDF processing is common, potentially providing attackers with footholds for further exploitation or lateral movement within networks. The ZDI-CAN-16825 reference indicates this vulnerability was recognized and tracked by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the security community and the need for prompt remediation.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Foxit PDF Reader installations to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to the latest version of Foxit PDF Reader where the memory access bounds checking has been properly implemented. Security administrators should also implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block access to known malicious domains and files. User education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious websites and email attachments, particularly those that might trigger PDF reader execution. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of potentially vulnerable applications and monitor for unusual PDF reader behavior. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue makes it susceptible to exploitation techniques such as information leakage and code execution, which underscores the need for comprehensive defensive measures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated PDF reader versions to prevent exploitation of similar memory-related vulnerabilities in the future.