CVE-2019-5006 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A problem has been found in earlier versions of Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF for Windows, specifically versions prior to 9.4. This issue involves a NULL pointer dereference that occurs when parsing a PDF file.

Understanding CVE-2019-5006

An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 9.4 on Windows. It is a NULL pointer dereference during PDF parsing.

What is CVE-2019-5006?

CVE-2019-5006 is a vulnerability found in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions prior to 9.4 on Windows. The vulnerability involves a NULL pointer dereference when parsing a PDF file.

The Impact of CVE-2019-5006

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by exploiting the NULL pointer dereference issue in the PDF parsing process.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-5006

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions prior to 9.4 on Windows is due to a NULL pointer dereference during PDF parsing.

Affected Systems and Versions

Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions prior to 9.4 on Windows

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting a malicious PDF file to trigger the NULL pointer dereference during parsing, leading to potential code execution or denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF to version 9.4 or later to mitigate the vulnerability
Exercise caution when opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to the latest versions
Implement security best practices for handling and processing PDF files

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Foxit Software to address known vulnerabilities.