CVE-2018-14254 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 getLinks 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-6017.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14254 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 weakness specifically manifests in the getLinks method of the PDF reader's processing pipeline, where improper type handling creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory operations. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning that victims must either visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted malicious PDF file to trigger the attack vector. This dependency on user action aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the exploitation of software vulnerabilities through user interaction, typically via social engineering or phishing campaigns. The underlying technical flaw falls under CWE-466, which categorizes improper handling of pointers or references to different data types, creating conditions where memory corruption can occur. When an attacker successfully triggers this type confusion, they can manipulate the JavaScript engine to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit Reader process, effectively gaining full control over the victim's system. The attack leverages JavaScript execution capabilities within the PDF viewer to manipulate object types in memory, causing the application to interpret data as different types than intended, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where Foxit Reader is widely deployed, as it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring any special privileges or system access. The impact extends beyond individual user systems to potentially compromise entire networks if attackers use this vulnerability as a foothold for further attacks, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors. Organizations using Foxit Reader should prioritize immediate patching of this vulnerability, as the combination of remote exploitability and code execution capabilities makes it particularly dangerous. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of sandboxing mechanisms in PDF viewers and the need for robust input validation in JavaScript engines. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this CVE, including unusual network connections or file execution patterns that might suggest exploitation attempts. The flaw demonstrates the ongoing challenges in securing complex software applications that process untrusted data, particularly in environments where multiple scripting languages and system interfaces interact. Remediation efforts should include not only applying the vendor-provided patches but also implementing network-based controls to block access to known malicious domains and files that might exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it within the high-risk category of cybersecurity threats, requiring immediate attention from security teams to prevent potential breaches. This case underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive security monitoring to detect and respond to exploitation attempts before they can cause significant damage. The attack scenario involving user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against, as it requires both technical security controls and user education to provide comprehensive protection. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially vulnerable software versions, thereby reducing the attack surface for this and similar vulnerabilities. The technical complexity of the type confusion issue highlights the sophisticated nature of modern exploit development and the need for advanced threat detection capabilities to identify and neutralize such attacks.