CVE-2018-1178 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 addField 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-5489.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1178 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 that demonstrates a classic object validation error pattern. This vulnerability 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 flaw specifically manifests within the addField method implementation, which serves as a critical entry point for exploitation. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious PDF files or web pages that trigger the vulnerable code path when the affected software processes them. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning that a target must either visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted malicious file for the attack to succeed, making it a client-side exploit that relies on social engineering elements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the PDF processing engine of Foxit Reader. When the addField method processes certain input parameters, it fails to verify whether the target object reference is valid or has been properly initialized before attempting to perform operations on it. This fundamental flaw allows attackers to manipulate the object state through carefully crafted PDF content, potentially leading to a null pointer dereference that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The exploitation occurs within the context of the current process, meaning that successful attacks can result in complete system compromise depending on the privileges of the user running Foxit Reader. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the execution context to run malicious code within the application environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-1178 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat vector for enterprise environments where PDF processing is common. Organizations using Foxit Reader for document handling become vulnerable to targeted attacks that can bypass traditional security controls, especially when users are not security-aware and may inadvertently open malicious attachments or visit compromised websites. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers do not require physical access to systems or local network presence to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for remote workers and distributed organizations. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability affects not only individual user systems but also organizational networks where PDF files are frequently shared and processed, creating potential for lateral movement and persistent threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1178 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security enhancements. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided security update that addresses the object validation issue in the addField method implementation. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as PDF file scanning, web application firewalls, and content filtering systems that can detect and block suspicious PDF content. Network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted PDF files and websites. Additionally, security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis and endpoint detection systems, as the vulnerability may be detected through unusual process execution patterns or network connections initiated by compromised systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation and proper object handling in software development processes, particularly for applications that process untrusted data from external sources.