CVE-2018-14269 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 print 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-6032.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14269 represents a critical type confusion vulnerability within Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that enables remote code execution through JavaScript manipulation. This vulnerability resides in the print method implementation and demonstrates a classic type confusion flaw that occurs when the application fails to properly validate data types during JavaScript execution. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate object types in memory, leading to arbitrary code execution under the privileges of the current user process. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, meaning victims must either visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted malicious file containing the exploit code. This attack vector aligns with common web-based exploitation techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under the ATT&CK framework, specifically categorizing as a web-based attack that leverages client-side vulnerabilities. The type confusion condition occurs when JavaScript code manipulates objects in a way that the application's memory management system cannot properly handle, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite critical memory locations. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-467, which describes "Use of sizeof() on a Pointer Type" and related type confusion issues, though the specific implementation likely involves more complex memory corruption patterns. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, given that Foxit Reader typically runs with elevated privileges when processing PDF documents. The vulnerability's presence in the print method specifically indicates that the application's JavaScript engine fails to properly validate object types when handling print-related operations, creating a path for attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the same privileges as the Foxit Reader process. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PDF readers are frequently used, as it can serve as a vector for lateral movement and privilege escalation attacks. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately, as the combination of remote exploitability and user interaction requirements makes it particularly attractive to threat actors. The vulnerability's classification as a ZDI-CAN-6032 indicates it was properly documented and tracked through the Zero Day Initiative's vulnerability disclosure process, highlighting the severity and widespread impact potential of this particular flaw. Security professionals should implement network-based mitigations including web application firewalls and content filtering to prevent access to known malicious domains, while also ensuring that all users are updated to patched versions of Foxit Reader to eliminate the attack surface entirely.