CVE-2018-14267 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 importTextData 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-6030.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14267 represents a critical type confusion vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that enables remote code execution through crafted JavaScript within PDF documents. This vulnerability resides within the importTextData method of the application's PDF processing engine, where improper type handling allows attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user process. The flaw specifically manifests when JavaScript commands interact with the PDF parser's text import functionality, creating conditions where the application incorrectly interprets data types during processing. This type confusion vulnerability falls under CWE-466, which describes the scenario where a program accesses data as a different type than intended, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution.
The exploitation requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage hosting a crafted PDF or opening a malicious PDF file directly, making this a client-side attack vector that leverages social engineering techniques. Attackers can craft PDF documents containing malicious JavaScript that triggers the vulnerable importTextData method when the document is processed by Foxit Reader. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to potential privilege escalation, as the malicious code runs within the same security context as the legitimate application, potentially allowing access to sensitive user data or system resources. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for client-side attacks through web-based delivery mechanisms.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and memory management practices within Foxit Reader's PDF processing pipeline. When JavaScript code executes within the PDF context, it can manipulate object references and data structures in ways that bypass normal type checking mechanisms. The type confusion occurs during the parsing phase when the application fails to properly validate the expected data types during text import operations, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that can overwrite critical memory locations. This memory corruption can lead to stack smashing, heap corruption, or other forms of memory-based exploitation techniques that are commonly used in modern exploit development. Organizations should consider implementing browser security measures, PDF sandboxing, and regular security updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation and type safety in document processing applications, particularly those handling untrusted content from web sources or external users.