CVE-2018-10484 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 9.0.0.29935. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of U3D Node objects. The issue results from the lack of proper initialization of a pointer prior to accessing it. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5411.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2020
This vulnerability in Foxit Reader 9.0.0.29935 represents a critical remote code execution flaw that demonstrates the dangers of improper memory management in document processing software. The vulnerability arises from insufficient pointer initialization during the parsing of U3D Node objects within PDF files, creating a condition where an attacker can manipulate memory access patterns to achieve arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL pointer dereferences, making it a classic example of how inadequate input validation and memory handling can create severe security risks in document rendering applications.
The exploitation mechanism requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage or opening a crafted PDF file containing malicious U3D Node objects. This delivery method aligns with common attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute code on targeted systems. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can compromise systems without physical access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently open PDF documents from untrusted sources.
The technical impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially full system compromise, as the exploit operates under the context of the current process running Foxit Reader. This means that any privileges the application has are effectively transferred to the attacker, potentially allowing access to sensitive data, system files, or even privilege escalation to administrator-level access. The lack of proper initialization creates a predictable memory access pattern that attackers can exploit through carefully crafted U3D Node structures, making this vulnerability both reliable and dangerous in real-world scenarios.
Organizations using Foxit Reader should implement immediate mitigations including disabling U3D content parsing, updating to patched versions of the software, and deploying network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious PDF content. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly when handling complex binary formats like PDFs that contain embedded 3D content. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of untrusted PDF files. The ZDI-CAN-5411 reference indicates this vulnerability was tracked by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community and the need for rapid response and patch deployment across affected systems.