PDF Editor: NULL Pointer Dereference
CVE-2022-26979 is a high-severity NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in PDF Editor from Foxit, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 12.0.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating PDF Editor to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.11% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 66% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update PDF Editor to 12.0.1 or a later version.
- Update PDF Reader to 12.0.1 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on foxit.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foxit | PDF Editor | before 12.0.1 | 12.0.1 |
| Foxit | PDF Reader | before 12.0.1 | 12.0.1 |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
Official description
Foxit PDF Reader before 12.0.1 and PDF Editor before 12.0.1 allow a NULL pointer dereference when this.Span is used for oState of Collab.addStateModel, because this.Span.text can be NULL.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: NULL Pointer Dereference
The product dereferences a pointer that it expects to be valid but is NULL.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- For any pointers that could have been modified or provided from a function that can return NULL, check the pointer for NULL before use. When working with a multithreaded or otherwise asynchronous environment, ensure that proper locking APIs are used to lock before the check, and unlock when it has finished.
- Select a programming language that is not susceptible to these issues.
- Check the results of all functions that return a value and verify that the value is non-null before acting upon it.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- drive.google.com/file/d/1WpwDgVRU-Mb792z6dgDoWMXDRSeB8ZLU/view?usp=sharingExploit, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in PDF Editor
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent NULL Pointer Dereference vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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