CVE-2019-6731 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Foxit PhantomPDF is affected by a vulnerability that allows attackers to execute remote code by exploiting the conversion process of HTML files to PDF.

Understanding CVE-2019-6731

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in Foxit PhantomPDF that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely.

What is CVE-2019-6731?

The vulnerability in Foxit PhantomPDF allows attackers to execute code remotely by manipulating user-supplied data during the conversion of HTML files to PDF. This flaw enables attackers to read beyond the end of an allocated object, leading to code execution within the current process.

The Impact of CVE-2019-6731

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code remotely on systems running the affected version of Foxit PhantomPDF.
User interaction, such as visiting a malicious webpage or opening a malicious file, is required for the exploit to be successful.
The vulnerability is tracked as ZDI-CAN-7369 and falls under CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-6731

Foxit PhantomPDF's vulnerability has specific technical aspects that are crucial to understand.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw originates from the improper validation of user-supplied data during the conversion process of HTML files to PDF, allowing attackers to read past the end of an allocated object and execute code within the current process.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: PhantomPDF
Vendor: Foxit
Version: 9.3.0.10826

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by manipulating user-supplied data during the conversion of HTML files to PDF.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-6731 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Foxit PhantomPDF to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid visiting suspicious websites or opening files from unknown sources.
Implement security measures to prevent unauthorized code execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Educate users about safe browsing habits and the risks of opening files from untrusted sources.

Patching and Updates

Foxit Software provides security bulletins with patches to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2019-6731.