CVE-2018-14256 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 getOCGs 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-6019.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14256 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049, classified under CWE-467 and aligned with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based attacks. This vulnerability stems from a type confusion flaw within the getOCGs method of the PDF viewer's JavaScript engine, where improper type handling allows attackers to manipulate memory objects through crafted JavaScript code. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, typically through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted PDF file containing malicious JavaScript payloads. The type confusion condition occurs when the application fails to properly validate object types during JavaScript execution, enabling attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current process. This represents a significant security risk as it allows remote attackers to bypass standard security controls and gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable versions of Foxit Reader. The flaw specifically impacts the PDF rendering engine's handling of optional content groups, where JavaScript commands can manipulate object references in ways that corrupt memory structures and enable code execution. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates the dangers of insufficient input validation and memory management in PDF processing applications, as attackers can leverage the JavaScript environment to manipulate the application's internal state and execute malicious instructions. Organizations running vulnerable versions of Foxit Reader face potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive documents, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PDF documents are frequently exchanged. The attack vector emphasizes the importance of user education and awareness training, as successful exploitation requires user interaction with malicious content, highlighting the need for comprehensive security awareness programs. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of Foxit Reader to versions containing the fix, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious JavaScript content, and restricting user access to untrusted PDF files through content filtering solutions. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious PDF-related activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts and limit the impact of successful attacks.
This vulnerability exemplifies the broader category of memory corruption flaws that plague document processing applications, where improper handling of user-supplied data can lead to arbitrary code execution. The specific implementation of the getOCGs method demonstrates how JavaScript integration in PDF viewers creates attack surfaces where type confusion can be leveraged to manipulate application behavior. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-467 indicates that the issue involves the use of an object of the wrong type, which in this case occurs during JavaScript execution within the PDF rendering context. Security researchers have identified that similar vulnerabilities in PDF processing software often stem from insufficient type checking mechanisms, particularly when handling complex data structures like optional content groups. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a JavaScript-based attack, emphasizing the need for robust JavaScript sandboxing and execution controls in document viewers. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent execution of unauthorized PDF processing applications and ensure that users only interact with trusted PDF content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and penetration testing of document processing applications to identify and remediate similar flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors.