CVE-2018-20247 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2018-20247, a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Foxit Quick PDF Library versions prior to 16.12. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
An issue has been identified in Foxit Quick PDF Library (versions older than 16.12), where loading a PDF file with a defective or malicious page tree structure can cause a stack overflow when using certain functions.
Understanding CVE-2018-20247
This CVE involves a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Foxit Quick PDF Library.
What is CVE-2018-20247?
CVE-2018-20247 is a vulnerability in Foxit Quick PDF Library versions prior to 16.12. It occurs when loading a PDF file with a flawed or malicious page tree structure, leading to a stack overflow when utilizing specific functions.
The Impact of CVE-2018-20247
The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by crashing the application.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-20247
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises when loading a malformed or malicious PDF with a recursive page tree structure using certain functions, resulting in a stack overflow.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Foxit Quick PDF Library
- Versions Affected: All versions prior to 16.12
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is triggered when loading a PDF file with a defective or malicious page tree structure using functions like LoadFromFile, LoadFromString, or LoadFromStream.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-20247 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Foxit Quick PDF Library to version 16.12 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Avoid opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.
- Monitor vendor security bulletins for patches and updates.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and applications to the latest versions.
- Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
- Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing.
- Educate users on safe browsing habits and the risks associated with opening unknown files.
- Employ intrusion detection and prevention systems.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Foxit Quick PDF Library to address CVE-2018-20247.