CVE-2018-14280 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 exportAsFDF XFA function. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can lead to writing arbitrary files into attacker controlled locations. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5619.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14280 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that demonstrates a classic buffer overflow and improper input validation weakness. This vulnerability resides within the exportAsFDF XFA function, which is part of the PDF processing capabilities that handle XML Forms Architecture data. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of user-supplied data during the processing of FDF (Forms Data Format) files, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior through crafted input. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious XFA data that triggers the vulnerable exportAsFDF function, allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the currently running process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise when successfully exploited. The attack requires user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering campaigns where users might be tricked into interacting with compromised content. The vulnerability allows attackers to write arbitrary files to locations controlled by the attacker, effectively enabling a file system compromise that can lead to persistent access, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration. This weakness creates a direct pathway for attackers to bypass traditional security controls, as the exploitation occurs within the legitimate application context, making detection more challenging. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the execution occurs under the application's security context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14280 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves updating to Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1050 or later, which includes patches addressing the improper input validation in the exportAsFDF XFA function. Organizations should implement network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious XFA data patterns. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted PDF files or visiting suspicious websites. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper memory management in software development, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-53 security controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other PDF processing applications and document management systems within the organization's attack surface.