CVE-2018-14275 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 spawnPageFromTemplate 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-6038.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14275 represents a critical type confusion vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This vulnerability resides within the spawnPageFromTemplate method of the PDF reader's JavaScript engine, where improper type handling creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory operations. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and type checking mechanisms that allow malicious JavaScript code to exploit memory layout inconsistencies during object creation and manipulation processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious PDF content or web pages containing specially crafted JavaScript code that triggers the type confusion condition. When a user visits the malicious page or opens the compromised file, the JavaScript engine executes the crafted code which exploits the memory management flaw in the spawnPageFromTemplate method. This condition allows attackers to manipulate object type information in memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running Foxit Reader process. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices and other input validation issues that can lead to memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges within the context of the PDF reader application. Since Foxit Reader typically runs with user-level permissions, successful exploitation could enable attackers to access sensitive documents, perform unauthorized file operations, or establish persistence mechanisms within the victim's environment. The requirement for user interaction through visiting malicious pages or opening compromised files aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves gaining access through user interaction with malicious content. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where social engineering can be employed to deliver malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates to the latest Foxit Reader versions that address the type confusion vulnerability, as well as implementing network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about suspicious PDF files and web content. Additional protective measures include restricting user permissions when running PDF readers, implementing sandboxing technologies, and deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block malicious JavaScript execution patterns. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in preventing type confusion attacks, which are commonly addressed through secure coding guidelines and static analysis tools that can identify similar patterns in software development processes.