CVE-2019-6756 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2019-6756 article provides insights into a vulnerability affecting Foxit PhantomPDF version 9.4.0.16811, allowing attackers to expose sensitive information through malicious webpages or files.

Understanding CVE-2019-6756

This section delves into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2019-6756.

What is CVE-2019-6756?

CVE-2019-6756 is a vulnerability in Foxit PhantomPDF 9.4.0.16811 that enables attackers to reveal sensitive data by exploiting flaws in HTML file parsing.

The Impact of CVE-2019-6756

The vulnerability requires user interaction, such as visiting a malicious webpage or opening a malicious file, to execute code within the current process, potentially leading to data exposure.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-6756

This section provides a deeper dive into the vulnerability's technical aspects.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Foxit PhantomPDF 9.4.0.16811 lies in the improper validation of objects before performing operations, allowing attackers to run code within the current process.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: PhantomPDF
Vendor: Foxit
Vulnerable Version: 9.4.0.16811

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Local
User Interaction: Required
Privileges Required: None
Scope: Unchanged
CVSS Base Score: 3.3 (Low)
CWE ID: CWE-416 (Use After Free)

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-6756 involves immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Foxit PhantomPDF to a non-vulnerable version.
Avoid visiting suspicious websites or opening unknown files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and security patches.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and file handling.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.