CVE-2018-14276 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 submitForm 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-6039.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14276 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 submitForm method. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-468, which specifically addresses the risk of attempting to use an object of one type in a context expecting another type. The flaw manifests when the application processes JavaScript commands that trigger a type confusion condition during form submission operations, creating an environment where malicious code can be executed with the privileges of the current user process.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning that attackers must entice victims to visit malicious web pages or open compromised files containing crafted JavaScript code. This user interaction requirement places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1203 technique category, which involves the use of legitimate user interfaces to execute malicious code. The attack vector leverages the browser-based JavaScript engine within Foxit Reader's PDF processing capabilities, where the submitForm method fails to properly validate data types during object manipulation, allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary commands.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Foxit Reader for document processing, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute code under the context of the current process, which typically runs with the privileges of the logged-in user, potentially enabling privilege escalation attacks or lateral movement within network environments. The type confusion condition creates a memory corruption scenario that can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential full system control.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14276 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Foxit Corporation, as the vendor released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network-based protections through web proxies and content filtering systems to block access to known malicious domains and files. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized JavaScript code within PDF processing environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and type checking in software development practices, particularly within applications that process untrusted data from external sources, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks for preventing memory corruption vulnerabilities.