CVE-2018-14266 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 importDataObject 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-6029.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14266 represents a critical security flaw in Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that enables remote code execution through a type confusion vulnerability. This issue resides within the importDataObject method of the PDF processing engine, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through web-based attacks without requiring any special privileges from the victim. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-468, which specifically addresses improper pointer type handling and type confusion conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires user interaction, meaning that victims must either visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted malicious PDF file to trigger the exploit, making this vulnerability particularly insidious in social engineering campaigns.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a flaw in how Foxit Reader handles data object imports within JavaScript contexts. When processing maliciously crafted PDF files, the importDataObject method fails to properly validate type information during object manipulation, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as different data types than originally intended. This type confusion allows an attacker to manipulate memory layouts and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently running Foxit Reader process. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal memory protection mechanisms and inject malicious code that executes within the application's memory space, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The exploitation process leverages JavaScript execution capabilities within PDF documents to manipulate internal data structures, demonstrating a sophisticated attack pattern that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14266 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to vulnerable systems through the Foxit Reader application. Once exploited, the vulnerability can be used to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware payloads. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used PDF reader application means that exploitation can occur through various attack vectors including phishing emails, compromised websites, or malicious file sharing platforms. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Foxit Reader is commonly deployed for document processing, as successful exploitation can provide attackers with access to sensitive corporate documents and potentially escalate to broader network compromise. The vulnerability's classification as a zero-day exploit prior to its disclosure indicates the sophistication of the attack mechanism and the potential for widespread impact.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling JavaScript execution within Foxit Reader, updating to patched versions of the software, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's requirement for user interaction means that security awareness training becomes critical in preventing successful exploitation through social engineering. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted PDF files can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network connections from Foxit Reader processes or unexpected file modifications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular software updates and patch management processes, particularly for widely used applications that handle untrusted content such as PDF documents. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques for PDF processing applications to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.