CVE-2018-14283 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 highlightMode attribute. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5771.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14283 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-476. This vulnerability stems from a NULL pointer dereference condition within the highlightMode attribute processing functionality, where the application fails to validate object existence before executing operations on it. The flaw manifests when the software encounters malformed PDF content containing malicious highlightMode parameters, creating an opportunity for attackers to exploit the application's failure to perform proper input validation and object existence checks. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be successfully exploited, typically through visiting a malicious webpage hosting crafted PDF content or opening a specifically crafted malicious file that triggers the vulnerable code path.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic null pointer dereference attack pattern that falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. When Foxit Reader processes a PDF document containing malicious highlightMode attributes, the application attempts to access memory locations without verifying that the referenced objects exist, leading to a crash that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability specifically targets the document processing engine's handling of highlight annotations, where the software's object model does not properly validate that highlightMode parameters reference valid memory structures before attempting operations. This type of vulnerability allows attackers to escalate privileges to the same context as the Foxit Reader process, potentially enabling full system compromise if the application runs with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14283 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant security implications for organizations relying on Foxit Reader for document processing. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments where users frequently open PDF documents from untrusted sources, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or targeted attacks against specific organizations. The exploitation requires user interaction, which means social engineering becomes a critical factor in successful attacks, but once triggered, the vulnerability provides attackers with a persistent code execution vector that can be used for data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, or installation of additional malware. Organizations using Foxit Reader in their document workflows face potential exposure to attackers who can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or establish persistent backdoors within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14283 should focus on immediate patching of Foxit Reader installations to version 9.0.1.1050 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the null pointer dereference condition. Network-based mitigations include implementing PDF content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious PDF files before they reach end users, though this approach is less effective since the vulnerability can be triggered through web-based attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the likelihood of successful social engineering attacks that rely on user interaction to trigger the vulnerability. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure rapid detection and response to potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unusual network traffic patterns or process execution that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be used to establish persistent access to compromised systems. The fix implemented by Foxit addresses the core issue through proper input validation and object existence checking within the highlightMode attribute processing, aligning with security best practices for preventing null pointer dereference conditions.