CVE-2018-10491 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 Bone Weight Modifier 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-5423.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2020
CVE-2018-10491 represents a critical buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 that enables remote code execution through crafted U3D files. This vulnerability resides in the parsing logic for U3D Bone Weight Modifier structures within the PDF rendering engine, demonstrating a classic improper input validation flaw that aligns with CWE-121. The vulnerability occurs when the application processes user-supplied data without adequate bounds checking, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite adjacent memory regions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage hosting a crafted PDF file or opening a specially constructed PDF document containing the vulnerable U3D structure. This attack vector places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK matrix under T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, specifically targeting the application's document parsing capabilities. The write past the end of an allocated structure creates a memory corruption condition that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit Reader process, effectively providing an attacker with the same privileges as the legitimate user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides a pathway for attackers to establish persistent access to systems through the exploitation of the PDF reader application. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through web-based attack vectors without requiring physical access to target systems. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently browse untrusted websites or receive PDF attachments from unknown sources. The exploitation can potentially lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10491 should focus on immediate patching of affected Foxit Reader installations, as well as implementing network-based controls to block access to known malicious PDF content. Organizations should also consider deploying application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of PDF readers from untrusted sources, along with regular security assessments of document handling processes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in document processing applications, serving as a reminder that PDF readers remain a common attack surface for sophisticated adversaries targeting enterprise environments. Additionally, security teams should implement monitoring for suspicious PDF file access patterns and maintain current threat intelligence feeds to identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.