CVE-2018-10487 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information 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 files embedded inside PDF documents. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated object. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5419.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10487 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 that enables remote attackers to extract sensitive data from affected systems. This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector involving the manipulation of Universal 3D (U3D) files embedded within PDF documents, demonstrating the complex security challenges inherent in modern document processing applications that must handle multiple file formats and embedded content types. The security implications extend beyond simple data exposure, as the flaw creates a foundation for more severe exploitation techniques when combined with other vulnerabilities present in the system.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in inadequate input validation during the parsing of U3D files within PDF documents, specifically within the memory management operations of the Foxit Reader application. This flaw constitutes a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs when the application fails to properly validate user-supplied data during the processing of three-dimensional content embedded in PDF files. The vulnerability manifests as a read past the end of an allocated object, meaning that the application attempts to access memory locations beyond the boundaries of allocated buffers, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. This type of flaw is categorized under CWE-125: "Out-of-bounds Read" and aligns with the broader category of memory safety vulnerabilities that have historically been exploited for privilege escalation and code execution attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-10487 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. The requirement for user interaction through visiting malicious web pages or opening compromised files means that this vulnerability operates within the realm of social engineering attacks, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter phishing campaigns or compromised websites. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is amplified by its ability to provide attackers with memory layout information and potentially sensitive data that could be leveraged in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to achieve code execution within the context of the current process, making it a valuable component in multi-stage attack strategies.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007: "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript', where the initial information disclosure could be used to gather system information for crafting more targeted attacks. The vulnerability's characteristics also align with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK matrix under T1068: "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1190: "Exploit Public-Facing Application" as it represents a remote exploitation vector that could potentially lead to privilege escalation in the context of the targeted application. Organizations should prioritize patch management for this vulnerability, as the combination of remote exploitability and the potential for code execution makes it a high-priority target for threat actors.
The remediation approach for CVE-2018-10487 requires immediate implementation of vendor-provided security patches, as Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 was specifically identified as vulnerable. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including web filtering solutions that can block access to known malicious domains hosting compromised PDF files, email security scanning that can detect potentially malicious embedded U3D content, and user education programs that emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious websites and email attachments. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly those involving PDF file transfers or U3D content processing activities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user-supplied data and implementing robust memory management practices in applications that process complex file formats, particularly those containing embedded multimedia content that may introduce additional attack surfaces.