CVE-2020-13808 : Security Advisory and Response

An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 9.7.2. It allows resource consumption via crafted cross-reference stream data.

Understanding CVE-2020-13808

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF that could be exploited to cause resource consumption through maliciously crafted cross-reference stream data.

What is CVE-2020-13808?

The CVE-2020-13808 vulnerability pertains to a specific issue found in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions prior to 9.7.2. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to exhaust system resources by using manipulated cross-reference stream data.

The Impact of CVE-2020-13808

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to resource exhaustion on affected systems, potentially causing denial of service (DoS) conditions or other adverse effects.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-13808

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF allows attackers to consume resources by utilizing specially crafted cross-reference stream data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF
Versions affected: Before 9.7.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending manipulated cross-reference stream data to the affected software, leading to resource consumption and potential system instability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-13808 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF to version 9.7.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor system resources for any unusual consumption that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security updates and patches provided by Foxit Software to address CVE-2020-13808.