CVE-2018-1175 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 handling of the interactive attribute of PrintParams objects. The issue results from the lack of proper initialization of memory prior to accessing it. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5438.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1175 represents a critical information disclosure flaw affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 and potentially other versions within the same product line. This vulnerability operates as a remote code execution risk that requires user interaction to manifest, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where social engineering plays a crucial role. The flaw resides in the PDF reader's processing of PrintParams objects, specifically within the handling of the interactive attribute parameter. Security researchers have classified this issue as a memory safety vulnerability that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper memory initialization practices within the Foxit Reader application's print parameter processing module. When the application encounters a PrintParams object with an interactive attribute, it fails to properly initialize the memory space before attempting to access or manipulate the data contained within that attribute. This memory initialization failure creates a condition where uninitialized memory values may be read or processed, potentially exposing sensitive data from the application's memory space. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which describes the use of uninitialized variables, and represents a classic example of how improper memory management can create security exposure points. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted PDF files or web pages that contain specially constructed PrintParams objects designed to trigger the uninitialized memory access condition.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Foxit Reader for document processing and viewing. The requirement for user interaction means that successful exploitation typically involves phishing campaigns or malicious website visits, making it particularly challenging to defend against through network-level controls alone. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the currently running Foxit Reader process, potentially allowing them to escalate privileges or gain access to sensitive system resources. The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as the vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, including privilege escalation and persistent system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1068, which involves exploit for privilege escalation.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1175 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Foxit Corporation, as the vendor has released updates addressing this specific memory initialization flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive endpoint protection measures including web filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious PDF content before it reaches user systems. Network segmentation and application whitelisting policies can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts by restricting the execution of untrusted PDF content. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks associated with opening suspicious PDF files or visiting untrusted websites. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar memory safety issues within other PDF processing applications and document viewers within the organization's infrastructure. Additionally, monitoring for anomalous process behavior and memory access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts even when traditional signature-based detection methods fail.