CVE-2017-6883 : Security Advisory and Response

Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions prior to 8.2.1 on Windows are vulnerable to a denial of service attack due to a plugin called ConvertToPDF. Attackers can exploit this to trigger an out-of-bounds read with a crafted TIFF image, potentially leading to application crashes and information exposure.

Understanding CVE-2017-6883

This CVE details a vulnerability in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF that could allow attackers to remotely cause a denial of service and potentially execute code within the current process.

What is CVE-2017-6883?

The vulnerability in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions prior to 8.2.1 on Windows allows attackers to exploit the ConvertToPDF plugin to trigger a denial of service by using a specially crafted TIFF image.

The Impact of CVE-2017-6883

Attackers can remotely cause a denial of service by triggering an out-of-bounds read and crashing the application with a crafted TIFF image.
The vulnerability has the potential to expose sensitive information, and attackers could leverage it with other vulnerabilities to execute code within the current process.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-6883

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The ConvertToPDF plugin in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions before 8.2.1 on Windows, when the gflags app is enabled, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service through an out-of-bounds read and application crash using a crafted TIFF image.

Affected Systems and Versions

Foxit Reader versions prior to 8.2.1
PhantomPDF versions prior to 8.2.1 on Windows

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the ConvertToPDF plugin to trigger an out-of-bounds read and application crash by using a specially crafted TIFF image.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-6883 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF to versions 8.2.1 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Disable the ConvertToPDF plugin if not essential for operations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and plugins to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Foxit Software to address CVE-2017-6883 and other potential vulnerabilities.