CVE-2008-1104 in Foxitsoftware
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Foxit Reader before 2.3 build 2912 allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file, related to the util.printf JavaScript function and floating point specifiers in format strings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1104 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in Foxit Reader versions prior to 2.3 build 2912. This flaw exists within the PDF rendering engine's handling of JavaScript functions, specifically the util.printf implementation that processes format strings containing floating point specifiers. The vulnerability operates through a user-assisted remote code execution vector where an attacker can craft a malicious PDF file designed to trigger the buffer overflow when the vulnerable reader processes the document. The flaw stems from improper input validation and bounds checking within the JavaScript engine's string formatting routines, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory on the stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Foxit Reader encounters a PDF file containing malicious JavaScript code that invokes the util.printf function with specially crafted format string arguments. The floating point specifiers in these format strings cause the application to improperly calculate buffer sizes, leading to a situation where data written to the stack exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries. This overflow can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack data, allowing an attacker to redirect execution flow and ultimately execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking permits data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on Foxit Reader for document processing, as it enables remote attackers to compromise systems through simple PDF file delivery. The user-assisted nature of the attack means that victims must open the malicious document, but this requirement is easily satisfied through phishing campaigns, malicious websites, or compromised email attachments. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that PDF files are commonly used in business environments and are often automatically opened by default applications, making exploitation relatively straightforward. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks of complex JavaScript implementations within document readers, where seemingly benign formatting operations can become attack vectors for sophisticated exploitation techniques.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2008-1104 requires immediate deployment of Foxit Reader version 2.3 build 2912 or later, which contains the necessary patches addressing the buffer overflow in the util.printf JavaScript function. Organizations should implement defensive measures such as disabling JavaScript execution within PDF readers where possible, employing sandboxing technologies, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious PDF file transfers. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing email filtering rules to block PDF attachments from untrusted sources and establish user awareness training to reduce the likelihood of accidental document execution. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) emphasizes the importance of endpoint protection and application whitelisting controls to prevent exploitation of similar JavaScript-based vulnerabilities in other PDF readers and document processing applications.