CVE-2018-14246 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 convertTocPDF 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-6009.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14246 represents a critical type confusion vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that enables remote code execution through crafted JavaScript within PDF documents. This vulnerability resides within the convertTocPDF method, which processes table of contents functionality in PDF files, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered during normal document viewing operations. The flaw stems from improper handling of data types during JavaScript execution, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters before processing them, creating a type confusion condition that allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user process.
The vulnerability operates through a JavaScript-based attack vector that requires user interaction to exploit, typically involving the victim visiting a malicious webpage hosting a crafted PDF file or opening a specially constructed document. When the vulnerable application processes the malicious PDF, the convertTocPDF method encounters unexpected data type combinations that cause the application to misinterpret memory locations, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. This type confusion vulnerability falls under CWE-128, which specifically addresses issues related to integer overflows and underflows, though the more precise classification would be CWE-129 or CWE-131 depending on the exact implementation details of the type confusion mechanism.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations as it allows attackers to gain full control of the victim's system without requiring administrative privileges or complex exploitation techniques. The attack surface is broad since Foxit Reader is widely deployed across enterprise environments, and the vulnerability can be triggered through simple web browsing or document opening activities. The attack can be executed through various vectors including phishing emails, compromised websites, or malicious file sharing platforms, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where users frequently interact with external content.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of malicious files or web content to gain code execution, and T1059, which covers the use of scripting languages for execution. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including regular patch management, web filtering solutions, email security controls, and user education programs to mitigate this risk. Additionally, network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and type checking in applications that process untrusted data, particularly in PDF viewers that must handle complex document structures and scripting capabilities. Security teams should prioritize updating to patched versions of Foxit Reader and monitor for any indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability in their environments.