CVE-2018-17670 : What You Need to Know

A security flaw has been discovered in Foxit Reader 9.2.0.9297, allowing hackers to execute unauthorized commands on vulnerable systems.

Understanding CVE-2018-17670

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Foxit Reader 9.2.0.9297 that can be exploited by malicious actors to run arbitrary code on affected systems.

What is CVE-2018-17670?

The vulnerability in Foxit Reader 9.2.0.9297 allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized code on vulnerable installations.
User interaction is required, where the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.
The flaw is related to the handling of the content property of a XFA object, specifically due to the lack of validation before performing operations.

The Impact of CVE-2018-17670

Hackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute code within the current process, potentially leading to unauthorized system access.
The flaw has been categorized as ZDI-CAN-6524.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-17670

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is classified as CWE-416: Use After Free, indicating a specific type of memory corruption issue.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Foxit Reader
Vendor: Foxit
Version: 9.2.0.9297

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the content property of a XFA object without proper validation, allowing them to execute unauthorized commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-17670 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Foxit Reader to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Avoid visiting suspicious websites or opening files from unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to mitigate potential security risks.
Implement robust cybersecurity measures to prevent unauthorized access to systems.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and advisories from Foxit and other relevant sources to apply patches promptly.