CVE-2018-9974: Buffer Overflow

Published May 17, 2018
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 9.0.1.1049. 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 ConvertToPDFx86.dll. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5895.

Affected Software

2 affected components
Foxitsoftware Foxit Reader<=9.0.1.1049
Foxitsoftware Phantompdf<=9.0.1.1049

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade Foxit Reader to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 9.0.1.1049Patch ZDI-CAN-5895
  2. Compensating control

    Because user interaction is required (victim must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file), mitigate by restricting or blocking access to untrusted web content and by preventing users from opening untrusted files (e.g., via email/web filtering and file access controls) until patched.

Event History

May 17, 2018
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:00 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:29 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2018-9974?

CVE-2018-9974 is rated as high severity due to its ability to allow remote code execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2018-9974?

To fix CVE-2018-9974, update Foxit Reader or PhantomPDF to the latest version available beyond 9.0.1.1049.

3

What versions are affected by CVE-2018-9974?

CVE-2018-9974 affects Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions up to and including 9.0.1.1049.

4

Is user interaction required to exploit CVE-2018-9974?

Yes, user interaction is required as the victim must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file for CVE-2018-9974 to be exploited.

5

What kind of attacks can be performed using CVE-2018-9974?

CVE-2018-9974 can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected systems.

Contact

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