CVE-2019-6735 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability has been found in Foxit Reader that could potentially allow remote attackers to expose sensitive information by exploiting flaws in processing PDF files.

Understanding CVE-2019-6735

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in Foxit Reader that requires user interaction to be exploited, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code.

What is CVE-2019-6735?

The vulnerability in Foxit Reader allows remote attackers to access sensitive information by manipulating PDF files.
Exploiting this flaw requires user interaction, such as visiting a malicious webpage or opening a malicious file.
The issue arises from inadequate validation of user-supplied data, enabling attackers to compromise system security.

The Impact of CVE-2019-6735

Attackers can read beyond allocated buffers, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Successful exploitation, combined with other vulnerabilities, may allow attackers to execute code within the current process context.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-6735

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Type: Out-of-bounds Read (CWE-125)
The flaw resides in the way Foxit Reader processes PDF files, lacking proper validation of user-supplied data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Foxit Reader
Vendor: Foxit
Version: 9.3.0.10826

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by manipulating PDF files, requiring user interaction to trigger the malicious behavior.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-6735 involves immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Foxit Reader to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.
Implement security measures to prevent malicious code execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to address security vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and the risks associated with opening unknown files.

Patching and Updates

Foxit Software has released security bulletins addressing the vulnerability.
Stay informed about security advisories from Foxit and apply patches promptly.