CVE-2018-17781 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Foxit PhantomPDF and Reader versions prior to 9.3 mishandle ArrayBuffer and DataView objects, leading to uninitialized object information disclosure.

Understanding CVE-2018-17781

This CVE involves the mishandling of specific objects in Foxit PhantomPDF and Reader, potentially exposing sensitive information to remote attackers.

What is CVE-2018-17781?

The vulnerability in Foxit PhantomPDF and Reader versions before 9.3 allows remote attackers to trigger uninitialized object information disclosure due to the mishandling of ArrayBuffer and DataView objects.

The Impact of CVE-2018-17781

The vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers to disclose uninitialized object information, potentially leading to sensitive data exposure.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-17781

Foxit PhantomPDF and Reader versions prior to 9.3 are affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the mishandling of ArrayBuffer and DataView objects, which can be exploited by remote attackers to trigger uninitialized object information disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Foxit PhantomPDF and Reader
Versions: Prior to 9.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating specific objects in the affected Foxit software versions.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2018-17781.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Foxit PhantomPDF and Reader to version 9.3 or above to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor security bulletins and advisories from Foxit Software for any related updates.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to the latest versions to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Foxit Software promptly to ensure the security of Foxit PhantomPDF and Reader installations.