CVE-2018-11618 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 handling of the resetForm method. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5416.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-11618 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability in Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 that demonstrates a classic null pointer dereference flaw in the PDF processing engine. This vulnerability resides within the resetForm method implementation and stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to verify object existence before executing operations on potentially uninitialized references. The flaw operates under CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions, where the application assumes an object reference will always contain valid data without proper validation checks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious PDF files or web pages that trigger the vulnerable resetForm method, requiring only user interaction to initiate the attack vector through page visits or file openings. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it allows arbitrary code to run under the privileges of the currently running Foxit Reader process, potentially enabling privilege escalation or system compromise. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute malicious commands through the compromised application environment. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently access malicious content through web browsers or email attachments, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the PDF parser's object management system where the resetForm method does not properly validate whether referenced objects exist before attempting to manipulate them. When processing malicious input, the application fails to perform proper null checks on object references, leading to a situation where the application attempts to execute operations on memory locations that may not contain valid data structures. This condition creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed within the context of the Foxit Reader process, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a specific user action to visit a malicious webpage or open a crafted PDF file, making it a client-side attack vector that can be delivered through various attack channels including phishing campaigns, compromised websites, or malicious email attachments. The lack of proper object validation in the PDF processing pipeline represents a failure in defensive programming practices and highlights the importance of implementing robust input validation mechanisms in applications handling untrusted data sources.
Organizations using Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 face significant operational risks from this vulnerability, as it can be exploited remotely without requiring administrative privileges or special access to the target system. The vulnerability's impact on user productivity and system security is substantial, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of additional malware. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a critical threat requiring immediate attention, particularly in environments where users have unrestricted access to the internet or receive unsolicited email attachments. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used PDF reader application creates a broad attack surface that threat actors can leverage to target multiple organizations simultaneously. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patch deployment for the affected Foxit Reader version, implementation of web filtering controls to block access to known malicious sites, and user education programs to prevent accidental exploitation through social engineering attacks. Additionally, network segmentation and application whitelisting policies can help reduce the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of regular software updates and proper security testing in commercial applications handling sensitive data, as the lack of proper input validation can create persistent security weaknesses that remain exploitable until patched. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to handle successful attacks against vulnerable systems.