CVE-2020-17415 : What You Need to Know

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Foxit PhantomPDF 10.0.0.35798. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system to exploit this vulnerability. The flaw lies in the handling of configuration files by the Foxit PhantomPDF Update Service due to incorrect permissions, enabling privilege escalation to execute code as SYSTEM.

Understanding CVE-2020-17415

This CVE identifies a privilege escalation vulnerability in Foxit PhantomPDF 10.0.0.35798.

What is CVE-2020-17415?

CVE-2020-17415 is a vulnerability that allows local attackers to elevate privileges on affected Foxit PhantomPDF installations by exploiting incorrect permissions in the Update Service configuration files.

The Impact of CVE-2020-17415

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.8, indicating a high severity issue with significant confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute code with elevated privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-17415

This section provides technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from incorrect permissions set on a critical resource used by the Foxit PhantomPDF Update Service, allowing attackers to escalate privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: PhantomPDF
Vendor: Foxit
Version: 10.0.0.35798

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Local
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
Vector String: CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-17415 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-supplied patches promptly
Restrict access to vulnerable services
Monitor for any unauthorized system changes

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software
Implement the principle of least privilege
Conduct security awareness training for users

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches provided by Foxit to address the vulnerability.