CVE-2018-9977: Use After Free

Published May 17, 2018
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 9.0.0.29935. 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 parsing of Modifier Chain objects in U3D files. 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 under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5427.

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 9.0.0.29935Patch ZDI-CAN-5427
  2. Compensating control

    Because user interaction is required (target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file), restrict or control access to untrusted web content and opening of untrusted files to reduce exposure to malicious U3D content.

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-2018-9977?

CVE-2018-9977 is classified as a critical vulnerability allowing remote code execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2018-9977?

To mitigate CVE-2018-9977, upgrade Foxit Reader or PhantomPDF to version 9.0.1.1050 or later.

3

What software is affected by CVE-2018-9977?

CVE-2018-9977 affects Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions up to 9.0.1.1049.

4

What type of attack does CVE-2018-9977 enable?

CVE-2018-9977 enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting user interactions with malicious files.

5

Is user interaction required to exploit CVE-2018-9977?

Yes, CVE-2018-9977 requires user interaction, as the victim must open a malicious file or visit a malicious page.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203