CVE-2018-14243 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 9.0.1.1049. 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 addPageOpenJSMessage method. By performing actions in JavaScript, an attacker can trigger a type confusion condition. The attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-6006.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14243 represents a critical type confusion vulnerability within Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that enables remote code execution through malicious JavaScript manipulation. This vulnerability resides in the addPageOpenJSMessage method, which processes JavaScript commands during PDF page opening operations. The flaw stems from improper type handling in the JavaScript engine where the application fails to correctly validate data types during object manipulation, creating a condition where an attacker can force the system to treat data as different types than intended. This type confusion allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user process, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries.
The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated exploitation chain that begins with a malicious web page or PDF file delivery mechanism. According to the attack pattern analysis, successful exploitation requires user interaction, specifically visiting a crafted webpage or opening a malicious document, which aligns with the attack technique documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution). The attack leverages JavaScript to manipulate internal object references, causing the application to misinterpret memory contents and execute unintended code sequences. This represents a classic type confusion attack vector that has been documented across multiple PDF readers and similar applications, making it a well-understood but persistent threat in the cybersecurity landscape.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and memory management practices within the Foxit Reader's JavaScript engine implementation. The specific flaw in addPageOpenJSMessage method indicates insufficient type checking mechanisms that should have prevented the cross-type memory access patterns. This issue directly maps to CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices and other type-related vulnerabilities in software applications. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it allows attackers to potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PDF processing is common.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of Foxit Reader installations to prevent exploitation attempts. The recommended mitigation strategy includes implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious JavaScript patterns associated with this vulnerability. Additionally, security administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict PDF processing to trusted applications and disable JavaScript execution in environments where it is not essential. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for organizations to maintain comprehensive patch management programs to address known vulnerabilities in third-party software components. According to industry best practices, this type of vulnerability should be classified as high-risk and require immediate attention in security assessment protocols, particularly in environments where users regularly interact with potentially malicious web content or document files.