CVE-2018-14265 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 importAnXFDX 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-6028.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14265 represents a critical type confusion vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that enables remote code execution through malicious web pages or files. This vulnerability resides within the importAnXFDX method of the PDF reader application, demonstrating a classic weakness in memory management and data type handling. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate JavaScript execution to create a type confusion condition, where the application incorrectly handles data types during processing, leading to potential arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, meaning victims must visit a malicious webpage or open a crafted file containing the malicious payload. This attack vector aligns with common web-based exploitation techniques documented in the attack mitigation framework, where initial access is achieved through social engineering or compromised websites. The type confusion vulnerability specifically maps to CWE-121, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers stack-based buffer overflow scenarios. The attack leverages JavaScript capabilities within the PDF viewer to manipulate memory structures, potentially allowing an attacker to overwrite function pointers or execute malicious code within the context of the current process. This presents a significant risk as it can bypass many traditional security controls, as the execution occurs within the legitimate application environment. The vulnerability's exploitation requires the target to interact with malicious content, making it susceptible to phishing campaigns and drive-by download attacks. Attackers can craft malicious PDF documents or web pages that trigger the vulnerable importAnXFDX method when processed by the affected Foxit Reader version. The attack chain typically involves loading a malicious PDF file or visiting a compromised webpage that contains JavaScript code designed to exploit the type confusion. Once triggered, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to full system compromise. This vulnerability was assigned the ZDI-CAN-6028 identifier, indicating it was tracked by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community. The impact extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. Organizations using Foxit Reader 9.0.1.1049 should consider immediate patching and network segmentation to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in PDF processing security and the importance of proper input validation and memory management in document readers. Security professionals should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement network-based intrusion detection systems to identify potential attacks targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation approach should include immediate application updates, user education regarding suspicious content, and implementation of web filtering solutions to prevent access to malicious sites. This vulnerability exemplifies the broader category of browser and application-based exploits that continue to pose significant threats to enterprise security environments.