CVE-2018-14245 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 closeDoc 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-6008.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14245 represents a critical type confusion vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that enables remote code execution through carefully crafted JavaScript within malicious web pages or documents. This vulnerability resides within the closeDoc method of the application's JavaScript engine, where improper type handling allows attackers to manipulate memory objects and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user process. The flaw stems from insufficient type checking during JavaScript execution, creating a condition where the application incorrectly interprets data types, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to gain unauthorized code execution. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper handling of insufficient type checking or incorrect type conversion, and specifically maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution within document viewers.
The exploitation requires user interaction through visiting malicious web pages or opening compromised PDF files, making this a typical client-side attack vector that leverages social engineering to deliver the payload. Attackers can craft JavaScript code that triggers the type confusion condition within the closeDoc method, causing the application to improperly handle memory references and execute malicious instructions. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow full system compromise when the application runs with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the inherent risks in complex document processing applications that must handle untrusted input while maintaining robust memory management and type safety protocols.
Organizations and users should immediately apply available patches from Foxit to address this vulnerability, as the risk of exploitation increases with the prevalence of targeted phishing campaigns and malicious websites. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently access compromised content. Security administrators should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering to prevent access to known malicious domains. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious website visits and document attachments remains crucial, as the attack requires human interaction to succeed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for robust input validation mechanisms in document processing software, particularly in applications that execute scripting languages within their rendering environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign document processing operations can become attack vectors when type safety mechanisms fail. The closeDoc method's improper handling of JavaScript objects creates a memory management gap that can be exploited through carefully constructed type confusion attacks. This represents a fundamental flaw in the application's JavaScript engine implementation that affects not just this specific vulnerability but potentially other similar conditions within the same codebase. The vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors who seek to establish persistent access through document-based attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures including application whitelisting, sandboxing, and regular security assessments of document processing applications.