CVE-2020-10906
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Foxit Reader allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious PDF files or visiting malicious web pages. The flaw exists in the resetForm method where object existence isn't validated before operations. Users of affected Foxit Reader versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit Reader
📦 What is this software?
Phantompdf by Foxitsoftware
Reader by Foxitsoftware
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining the same privileges as the current user, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Malware installation on the victim's system, credential theft, or system disruption through arbitrary code execution.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing, user privilege restrictions, and network segmentation preventing lateral movement.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but is straightforward once malicious content is delivered. ZDI-CAN-10614 reference indicates professional vulnerability research.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Foxit Reader 9.7.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.foxitsoftware.com/support/security-bulletins.php
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest Foxit Reader from official website. 2. Uninstall current version. 3. Install updated version. 4. Restart system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit Reader
allPrevents exploitation by disabling JavaScript execution in PDF files
Open Foxit Reader > File > Preferences > Trust Manager > Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allOpen PDFs in protected/sandboxed mode to limit impact
Open Foxit Reader > File > Preferences > Trust Manager > Enable 'Safe Reading Mode'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user privileges to standard user accounts (not administrator)
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized executables
- Use network segmentation to limit lateral movement
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions
- Educate users about phishing and suspicious PDF files
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit Reader version in Help > About. If version is 9.7.1.29511 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic product where name="Foxit Reader" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Foxit Reader version is 9.7.2 or later in Help > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Process creation events from Foxit Reader with unusual command lines
- Crash reports from Foxit Reader
- Unusual network connections originating from Foxit Reader process
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to suspicious domains after PDF opening
- Unusual DNS queries from Foxit Reader process
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND (process_command_line:*resetForm* OR event_id:1000 OR parent_process_name:explorer.exe)