CVE-2018-14247 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 exportAsFDF method. By performing actions in JavaScript, an attacker can trigger a type confusion condition. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-6010.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14247 represents a critical security flaw in Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that enables remote code execution through a type confusion condition within the exportAsFDF method. This issue falls under the CWE-124 weakness category, which specifically addresses the violation of information flow control through improper handling of data types in memory operations. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of how JavaScript-based attacks can escalate to system-level privileges when developers fail to properly validate data types during processing operations. The attack vector requires user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios where victims must be convinced to visit malicious websites or open compromised documents, aligning with the ATT&CK technique T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the exportAsFDF method which processes data structures that should maintain consistent type integrity throughout execution. When JavaScript code executes within the Foxit Reader environment, it can manipulate object references in a way that causes the application to interpret memory locations as different data types than originally intended. This type confusion condition creates a scenario where memory corruption occurs, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the application's process context. The flaw essentially enables attackers to bypass standard memory protection mechanisms by exploiting the application's failure to properly validate type information during object manipulation operations, which directly relates to CWE-129 and CWE-131 classifications for improper validation of array indices and buffer overflows.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with full control over the victim's system through the compromised Foxit Reader process. Since the exploitation occurs within the context of the current process, attackers can perform actions such as file system modifications, registry alterations, and network communications without requiring elevated privileges. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through web-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where users frequently access untrusted web content. This type of vulnerability is especially concerning given that Foxit Reader is commonly used for viewing and processing PDF documents, which are frequently shared through email attachments and web downloads, creating numerous potential attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14247 should focus on immediate patching of affected Foxit Reader installations, as the vendor has released updates addressing the underlying type confusion issue. Organizations should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems to prevent access to known malicious domains. Browser-based security measures such as sandboxing and strict MIME type validation can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that rely on user interaction requirements. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and type checking in software development, particularly for applications that process untrusted data from external sources. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar type confusion vulnerabilities in other applications that may be susceptible to similar exploitation techniques, aligning with the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on maintaining defensive measures against persistent threats.