CVE-2018-14279 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 resetForm 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-6060.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14279 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 resetForm method of the application's JavaScript engine, where improper type handling allows attackers to manipulate memory objects and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user process. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and type checking mechanisms that fail to properly distinguish between different data types during JavaScript execution, creating conditions where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable code. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit, meaning victims must either visit a malicious webpage hosting a crafted PDF or open a malicious file directly, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and targeted attacks. This type confusion issue allows attackers to manipulate the application's memory management and potentially overwrite critical function pointers or execute shellcode within the application's memory space, effectively bypassing standard security restrictions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper handling of length values and count variables, and represents a classic example of how JavaScript engine flaws can be leveraged for privilege escalation. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to enterprise environments where users frequently interact with PDF documents from untrusted sources, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat campaigns. The attack surface extends beyond simple document viewing to include web-based exploitation through browser plugins or embedded PDF viewers. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Foxit Reader installations and implement web filtering solutions to block access to known malicious PDF hosting sites. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network connections from compromised systems and anomalous process execution patterns that may indicate successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in JavaScript engines and highlights the need for comprehensive memory safety measures in document processing applications. This flaw exemplifies ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Scripting, where adversaries leverage scripting languages within applications to execute malicious code, and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, where attackers use vulnerabilities in client applications to gain remote access. The remediation strategy should include not only patch management but also user education regarding safe PDF handling practices and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.