CVE-2020-12248
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a heap-based buffer overflow when Foxit Reader or PhantomPDF processes malicious image resources. It affects users of Foxit Reader before version 10.0.1 and PhantomPDF before versions 9.7.3 or 10.0.1. Attackers can exploit this by tricking users into opening specially crafted PDF files.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit Reader
- Foxit PhantomPDF
📦 What is this software?
Phantompdf by Foxitsoftware
Phantompdf by Foxitsoftware
Reader by Foxitsoftware
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with attacker gaining complete control over the affected system, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Remote code execution in the context of the current user, allowing attackers to install malware, steal credentials, or establish persistence on the system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and user privilege restrictions, potentially containing the exploit to the application process only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening a malicious PDF) but no authentication. Heap-based buffer overflows typically require more precise exploitation than stack-based overflows.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Foxit Reader 10.0.1, PhantomPDF 9.7.3 or 10.0.1
Vendor Advisory: https://www.foxitsoftware.com/support/security-bulletins.php
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Download the latest version from Foxit's official website. 2. Run the installer. 3. Follow installation prompts. 4. Verify the version is updated to at least 10.0.1 for Reader or 9.7.3/10.0.1 for PhantomPDF.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit
allDisabling JavaScript reduces attack surface and may prevent some exploitation vectors
Open Foxit Reader/PhantomPDF -> Edit -> Preferences -> JavaScript -> Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allEnable Protected View to open untrusted PDFs in a restricted mode
Open Foxit Reader/PhantomPDF -> Edit -> Preferences -> Trust Manager -> Check 'Enable Protected View'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Use alternative PDF readers that are not vulnerable to this specific CVE
- Implement application whitelisting to block execution of vulnerable Foxit versions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the version in Foxit Reader/PhantomPDF: Help -> About. If version is below 10.0.1 for Reader or below 9.7.3/10.0.1 for PhantomPDF, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic product where name like "Foxit%" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the version is at least 10.0.1 for Foxit Reader or 9.7.3/10.0.1 for PhantomPDF. Test with known safe PDF files to ensure functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes of Foxit Reader/PhantomPDF
- Unusual process creation from Foxit processes
- Memory access violation events in application logs
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PDF files from untrusted sources
- Outbound connections from Foxit processes to suspicious IPs
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND (event_id:1000 OR event_id:1001) OR process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND parent_process:!"explorer.exe"