CVE-2018-14252 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 getField 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-6015.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14252 represents a critical security flaw in Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that enables remote code execution through a type confusion vulnerability within the JavaScript engine. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-124, which deals with the weakness of accessing a resource using an incorrect or improper type, and specifically relates to type confusion issues that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests within the getField method of the PDF reader's JavaScript implementation, where improper type handling allows attackers to manipulate memory operations through crafted JavaScript code.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning that an attacker must entice a victim to visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted PDF file containing malicious JavaScript code. This user interaction requirement places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of Initial Access through Drive-by Compromise or Spearphishing Attachment, where the attack vector is delivered through web-based or file-based payloads. The type confusion condition occurs when JavaScript code manipulates the internal data structures of the Foxit Reader application, causing the application to interpret memory locations incorrectly and potentially execute attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the current user process.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation of CVE-2018-14252 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system with the same privileges as the Foxit Reader application, which typically runs with the user's current permissions. This can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within a network. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Foxit Reader for document viewing, as it creates a persistent attack surface that can be exploited through various delivery mechanisms including compromised websites, malicious email attachments, or social engineering campaigns targeting document handling workflows.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest version of Foxit Reader that addresses this vulnerability, as well as deploying web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains. Network segmentation and user access controls should be implemented to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of opening unexpected PDF files or visiting untrusted websites. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in JavaScript engines and the need for proper input validation and type checking mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing sandboxing technologies and privilege separation to limit the damage that could occur if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, as the attack can potentially bypass traditional security controls due to the nature of the type confusion flaw.