CVE-2018-14273 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 removeTemplate 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-6036.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14273 represents a critical security flaw in Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that enables remote code execution through a type confusion vulnerability within the removeTemplate method. This issue falls under the CWE-124 weakness category, specifically addressing improper handling of data types during runtime operations. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, making it particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios where users might be tricked into visiting malicious websites or opening compromised documents. The attack vector leverages JavaScript execution within the PDF reader environment, exploiting the underlying type confusion that occurs when the removeTemplate method processes user-supplied data without proper type validation. This flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the memory layout and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently running Foxit Reader process, effectively providing a complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a JavaScript-based attack that triggers a type confusion condition within the PDF processing engine of Foxit Reader. When the removeTemplate method receives malformed input, it fails to properly validate the data types, leading to a situation where the application treats one data type as another. This type confusion creates memory corruption conditions that can be leveraged to overwrite critical memory locations and redirect execution flow. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it allows attackers to operate within the same security context as the PDF reader application, potentially accessing sensitive user data, system resources, or executing further malicious payloads. The ZDI-CAN-6036 identifier indicates this vulnerability was tracked and addressed by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for privilege escalation through application-specific exploits, making it a multi-faceted threat requiring comprehensive defensive measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14273 extends beyond individual user compromise to pose significant risks for enterprise environments where Foxit Reader is widely deployed. Organizations using this PDF reader are vulnerable to targeted attacks that can bypass traditional security controls, as the vulnerability operates within the trusted application context of the PDF viewer. The requirement for user interaction creates an attack surface that can be exploited through social engineering campaigns, email attachments, or compromised websites that deliver malicious PDF content. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for advanced persistent threats, particularly when Foxit Reader is used in conjunction with other enterprise applications that may share sensitive data. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require specialized tools or extensive knowledge of system internals, making it accessible to threat actors across different skill levels. This characteristic increases the likelihood of successful exploitation and makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations with limited security awareness training programs. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling JavaScript execution within Foxit Reader, deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and ensuring timely patch deployment to address the underlying type confusion issue.