CVE-2018-10489 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 Clod Progressive Mesh Declaration structures. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a write past the end of an allocated structure. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5421.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10489 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This flaw resides within the software's handling of U3D Clod Progressive Mesh Declaration structures, which are part of the Universal 3D file format used for 3D graphics rendering. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, where insufficient input validation allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The attack requires user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted file, making it a client-side exploitation vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. The root cause stems from improper bounds checking during the parsing of 3D mesh data structures, specifically when processing progressive mesh declarations that define how 3D models should be rendered progressively. This allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical program structures or function pointers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise when successful. Attackers leveraging this flaw can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Foxit Reader process, which typically runs with user-level permissions but may have elevated access depending on system configuration. The write past the end of allocated structure creates opportunities for memory corruption that can lead to arbitrary code execution through various exploitation techniques including return-oriented programming or direct code injection. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without physical access, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently open documents from untrusted sources. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability often serves as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, potentially enabling privilege escalation or lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10489 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves updating to Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.29936 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow in U3D structure parsing. Organizations should implement strict document validation policies that prevent automatic execution of embedded content and disable potentially dangerous file formats when possible. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious U3D content before it reaches end users. Additional defensive measures include implementing sandboxing for document processing, restricting user permissions when opening files, and maintaining regular security updates for all software components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and memory safety practices in document processing applications, as demonstrated by ATT&CK framework's emphasis on preventing exploitation through proper bounds checking and memory management. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring for unusual process behavior or memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.