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Executive Summary
CVE-2022-24362 is a high-severity vulnerability that has been identified in Foxit PDF Reader and Foxit PDF Editor. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations, posing a significant risk to users and organizations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning due to its high CVSS score of 8.8, indicating its potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This report provides a detailed analysis of the vulnerability, its technical aspects, potential exploitation in the wild, and recommended mitigation strategies.
Technical Information
CVE-2022-24362 is a critical vulnerability that affects Foxit PDF Reader versions up to and including 11.1.0.52543 and Foxit PDF Editor versions up to and including 10.1.6.37749 and from 11.0.0.49893 up to 11.2.0.53415. The vulnerability exists within the parsing of AcroForms in the software. Specifically, the issue arises from the lack of validation of the existence of an object before performing operations on it. This flaw can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process.
The vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file for the exploit to be successful. The CVSS v3.1 Base Score for this vulnerability is 8.8, with a vector of CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. The CWE ID associated with this vulnerability is CWE-416 (Use After Free).
The technical details of the vulnerability are as follows: when a user opens a malicious PDF file or visits a malicious webpage, the AcroForms parsing mechanism in Foxit PDF Reader or Foxit PDF Editor fails to validate the existence of certain objects before performing operations on them. This lack of validation can lead to a use-after-free condition, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process. This can result in the complete compromise of the affected system, including unauthorized access to sensitive information, data manipulation, and further propagation of malicious activities.
Exploitation in the Wild
As of the time of writing, there have been no specific reports of CVE-2022-24362 being exploited in the wild. However, the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact make it critical to address. The lack of reported exploitation does not diminish the urgency of applying patches and implementing mitigation strategies, as the vulnerability could be leveraged by threat actors at any time.
APT Groups using this vulnerability
Currently, there are no specific APT groups attributed to the exploitation of CVE-2022-24362 according to MITRE. However, given the high-severity nature of the vulnerability, it is plausible that sophisticated threat actors could target this vulnerability in the future. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government should be particularly vigilant, as these sectors are often targeted by APT groups.
Affected Product Versions
The following product versions are affected by CVE-2022-24362:
Foxit PDF Reader: Versions up to and including 11.1.0.52543
Foxit PDF Editor: Versions up to and including 10.1.6.37749 and from 11.0.0.49893 up to 11.2.0.53415
These versions are vulnerable on the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Workaround and Mitigation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-24362, the following strategies are recommended:
Patch Application: Users and administrators are strongly advised to apply the latest patches provided by Foxit. The patches address the vulnerability by ensuring proper validation of objects before performing operations on them. The patches can be found on the Foxit Security Bulletins page at https://www.foxit.com/support/security-bulletins.html.
User Awareness: Educate users about the risks of opening files from untrusted sources and visiting suspicious websites. Emphasize the importance of verifying the authenticity of PDF files before opening them.
Endpoint Protection: Utilize endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious PDF files. Ensure that antivirus and anti-malware software are up-to-date and configured to scan PDF files for potential threats.
Network Security: Implement network security measures such as firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems to monitor and block malicious activities related to PDF files.
References
For further details and updates on CVE-2022-24362, please refer to the following resources:
NVD Entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-24362
Foxit Security Bulletin: https://www.foxit.com/support/security-bulletins.html
Zero Day Initiative Advisory: https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-273/
Rescana is here for you
At Rescana, we understand the critical importance of staying ahead of cybersecurity threats. Our Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM) platform is designed to help you identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities in your environment. We are committed to providing you with the tools and insights needed to enhance your security posture and protect your organization from emerging threats.
If you have any questions about this report or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact us at ops@rescana.com. We are here to assist you in navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity and ensuring the safety and security of your digital assets.
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