CVE-2018-14288 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 handling of arguments passed to the setFocus function. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a type confusion condition. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5642.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
CVE-2018-14288 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that demonstrates a classic type confusion flaw in argument handling within the setFocus function. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-121, which encompasses issues related to improper handling of data types and memory management. The flaw manifests when the application processes user-supplied arguments without adequate validation, creating a condition where the program incorrectly interprets the data type of variables during runtime operations. This type confusion scenario occurs when the application's internal type checking mechanisms fail to properly validate input parameters, allowing malicious data to be interpreted as different data types than intended. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning that an attacker must convince a victim to visit a malicious webpage or open a crafted file containing the malicious payload. This attack vector aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1203, which involves the exploitation of applications through user interaction, typically via web-based or file-based attacks. The exploitation process leverages the type confusion to manipulate the program's execution flow, ultimately enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current process. This presents a severe security risk as it allows attackers to bypass standard security boundaries and execute malicious code directly within the context of the vulnerable application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that Foxit Reader is widely used for document viewing, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise end-user systems through social engineering campaigns or drive-by downloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the setFocus function, which serves as a critical entry point for malicious manipulation. When processing arguments passed to this function, the application fails to perform proper type checking and sanitization, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious input that triggers unexpected behavior in the program's memory management. This condition creates a type confusion scenario where the application's internal type system becomes inconsistent, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory locations and execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of input parameters that can manipulate the program's stack or heap memory structures, leading to code execution. The lack of proper bounds checking and type validation in the argument processing pipeline means that attackers can supply data that the application interprets incorrectly, potentially overwriting critical memory locations or redirecting execution flow to malicious code. This flaw represents a fundamental breakdown in the application's security architecture and highlights the importance of implementing robust input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14288 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute code with the privileges of the Foxit Reader process, which typically runs with user-level permissions but may have access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can deploy exploits through various vectors including malicious websites, email attachments, or compromised web services that deliver crafted PDF documents. This attack surface is particularly concerning given Foxit Reader's widespread adoption across both enterprise and individual user environments. The exploitation process can be automated through social engineering campaigns or targeted attacks, making it difficult for organizations to defend against without proper patch management. Organizations that fail to address this vulnerability face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's impact is further exacerbated by the fact that many users may not be aware of the security implications of opening PDF files from untrusted sources, creating a human factor component that attackers can exploit. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used document viewer application creates a persistent threat that can affect organizations across multiple industries, from financial services to healthcare, where document security is paramount. This type of vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust application security measures to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14288 should focus on immediate patching of affected Foxit Reader installations, while also implementing additional security controls to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should prioritize updating all Foxit Reader installations to versions that contain the necessary security fixes, as this vulnerability has been addressed through official patches provided by Foxit Corporation. In environments where immediate patching is not possible, organizations should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious PDF content. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that Foxit Reader applications run with minimal required permissions to limit potential damage from successful exploitation. Additional defensive measures include deploying email filtering systems to prevent malicious PDF attachments from reaching users, implementing web browsing restrictions to limit access to untrusted websites, and conducting regular security awareness training to educate users about the risks of opening unknown PDF files. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious behavior patterns associated with exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a type confusion issue also highlights the importance of implementing runtime application self-protection mechanisms and code integrity checks that can detect and prevent malicious manipulation of program execution flow. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems, ensuring that the organization maintains a comprehensive security posture against evolving threats. Security teams should also monitor threat intelligence feeds for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and maintain incident response procedures specifically designed to handle exploitation attempts.