CVE-2018-17637: Foxit Reader XFA loadXML Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Jan 24, 2019
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 9.2.0.9297. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the handling of the loadXML method. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-6473.

Other sources

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the handling of the loadXML method. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process.

Affected Software

4 affected components
Foxit Reader
Foxitsoftware Phantompdf<=9.2.0.9297
Foxitsoftware Reader<=9.2.0.9297
Microsoft Windows

Event History

Jan 24, 2019
CVE Published
via MITRE·04:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·04:00 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Feb 22, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·04:31 AM

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2018-17637?

CVE-2018-17637 has a critical severity rating due to its ability to allow remote code execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2018-17637?

To mitigate CVE-2018-17637, update Foxit Reader to version 9.3.0.1084 or later.

3

What products are affected by CVE-2018-17637?

CVE-2018-17637 affects Foxit Reader version 9.2.0.9297 and Foxit PhantomPDF version 9.2.0.9297.

4

Is user interaction required to exploit CVE-2018-17637?

Yes, user interaction is required for CVE-2018-17637 as the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

5

What type of exploitation is possible with CVE-2018-17637?

CVE-2018-17637 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader.

Contact

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