CVE-2018-14281 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 exportData 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-5757.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14281 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that demonstrates a classic buffer overflow and improper input validation flaw within the XFA (XML Forms Architecture) export functionality. This vulnerability resides in the exportData function which processes user-supplied data without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables attackers to craft malicious XFA data that, when processed by the vulnerable reader, can result in arbitrary file creation and execution within the application's security context. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate the length and content of data being exported through the XFA mechanism, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical function pointers or execute shellcode directly within the process memory space. This issue aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and CWE-78, improper neutralization of special elements, making it particularly dangerous in the context of document readers where users frequently open untrusted content. The attack vector requires user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a crafted malicious file, which makes this vulnerability particularly insidious as it can be delivered through phishing campaigns or compromised websites. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to significant risk as it allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the currently running Foxit Reader process, potentially enabling further lateral movement or privilege escalation within the compromised system. The exploitation typically involves crafting specially formatted XFA data that triggers the vulnerable exportData function, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through the compromised reader application. The security implications extend beyond immediate code execution to include potential information disclosure, system compromise, and persistent access through the compromised application's process. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it represents a significant risk to document processing environments where users regularly encounter untrusted PDF content. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of Foxit Reader in enterprise environments and the fact that the exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening a malicious document or visiting a compromised website, making it highly suitable for targeted attacks or mass phishing campaigns. Proper input validation and bounds checking within the XFA export functionality would have prevented this vulnerability by ensuring that user-supplied data cannot exceed allocated memory buffers or manipulate the application's execution flow. Security teams should implement network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and ensure that all users are running patched versions of Foxit Reader to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. The remediation approach should include immediate patch deployment, user education regarding suspicious document attachments, and monitoring for potential exploitation attempts through network traffic analysis.