CVE-2018-1177 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 addAnnot 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-5488.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1177 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 that demonstrates a classic object validation error pattern. This issue falls under the CWE-476 category of NULL Pointer Dereference, where the software fails to properly validate object existence before attempting operations on it. The vulnerability specifically manifests within the addAnnot method implementation, which processes annotations in PDF documents, creating a dangerous attack surface for remote exploitation. The flaw exemplifies poor defensive programming practices where the application assumes object validity without proper verification, allowing attackers to manipulate the software's behavior through crafted input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this weakness through web-based delivery mechanisms or malicious file attachments, requiring only user interaction to trigger the exploit. The attack vector operates through the standard browser or application execution flow, where visiting a malicious webpage or opening a crafted PDF file initiates the exploitation sequence. This vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit Reader process, potentially allowing for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or further network reconnaissance activities. The exploitation process typically involves constructing a malicious PDF document that triggers the flawed addAnnot method, causing the application to dereference a null pointer or invalid object reference.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute commands through the compromised application. The vulnerability also relates to T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it targets client-side applications through web-based delivery methods. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Foxit Reader is widely deployed in enterprise environments, making this vulnerability attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to organizational networks. Organizations utilizing this software face significant risk due to the combination of remote exploitability and the requirement for minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious page or opening a file. The vulnerability's persistence in the software's codebase for an extended period before discovery highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1177 should prioritize immediate software updates from Foxit Corporation, as the vendor has released patches addressing this specific flaw. Network-based defenses should include web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious PDF content, particularly focusing on documents containing unusual annotation structures or embedded JavaScript. Organizations should implement user education programs to raise awareness about suspicious webpage visits or unexpected file downloads that could trigger this vulnerability. Additionally, application whitelisting policies can help prevent unauthorized versions of Foxit Reader from executing on corporate systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper object handling in software development practices, aligning with industry standards that emphasize defensive programming techniques to prevent similar flaws in future releases. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of similar object validation patterns across all application components to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by adversaries.