CVE-2018-14251 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 getDataObject 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-6014.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14251 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 getDataObject method. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-128, which specifically addresses "Wrap-around Error" and more broadly encompasses type confusion issues that occur when a program incorrectly handles data types during runtime operations. The flaw manifests when JavaScript code executes within the PDF reader environment, specifically when the getDataObject method processes data objects without proper type validation, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures through carefully crafted input.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction to succeed, meaning that targets must either visit a malicious webpage hosting compromised PDF content or open a specifically crafted malicious file. This user interaction requirement aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes "Exploitation for Client Execution" where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in software applications to execute malicious code on target systems. The attack vector typically involves embedding malicious JavaScript within PDF documents that, when processed by the vulnerable Foxit Reader, triggers the type confusion condition. This condition allows attackers to manipulate the program's memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user process, effectively compromising the entire system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system's resources and potentially enables further escalation attacks. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can leverage the compromised process to access sensitive data, install additional malware, or establish persistence mechanisms within the target environment. The vulnerability's presence in Foxit Reader, a widely used PDF viewing application, amplifies its potential impact across numerous organizations and individuals who rely on this software for document viewing and processing. Organizations using this version of Foxit Reader face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users frequently open PDF documents from untrusted sources, making this vulnerability a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors and cybercriminals seeking to establish footholds within network infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14251 should prioritize immediate software updates to Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1050 or later, which contains patches addressing the type confusion vulnerability in the getDataObject method. Security administrators should implement network-based controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block access to known malicious PDF content and suspicious JavaScript code. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted PDF files and websites, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious process behavior and memory manipulation patterns. The vulnerability's classification as a type confusion issue also necessitates regular security assessments of PDF processing capabilities within organizational environments, particularly in sectors handling sensitive information where the potential for privilege escalation and data exfiltration remains high. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing technologies for PDF processing and maintaining comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.