CVE-2018-14295 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit PhantomPDF Phantom PDF 9.1.5096. 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 PDF documents. When parsing shading patterns, the process does not properly validate user-supplied data, which can result in an integer overflow before allocating a buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-6223.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14295 represents a critical security flaw in Foxit PhantomPDF Phantom PDF version 9.1.5096 that enables remote code execution through improper handling of PDF document elements. This vulnerability operates within the context of PDF parsing and specifically targets the processing of shading patterns, which are graphical elements used to create smooth color transitions in documents. The flaw manifests when the application processes user-supplied PDF data containing maliciously crafted shading pattern information, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring local system access. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning that an attacker must convince a victim to visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted PDF file containing the exploit payload.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in an integer overflow condition that occurs during the buffer allocation process when parsing shading patterns within PDF documents. When the PDF parser encounters a malformed shading pattern specification, it fails to properly validate the input parameters before performing calculations to determine buffer sizes for memory allocation. This validation failure results in an integer overflow that causes the application to allocate insufficient memory for the intended buffer, creating a condition where subsequent memory operations can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The improper validation of user-supplied data during the parsing phase directly violates security principles and creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute arbitrary code. This type of vulnerability is classified as a buffer overflow condition that can lead to privilege escalation and complete system compromise when successful.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14295 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the privileges of the current user context, potentially allowing them to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors within the victim's environment. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Foxit PhantomPDF for document processing, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PDF documents are frequently exchanged and processed. The requirement for user interaction means that social engineering campaigns can be particularly effective in exploiting this vulnerability, as attackers can craft convincing phishing emails or malicious websites that appear legitimate to unsuspecting users. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of malicious files to gain execution privileges, and represents a classic example of a remote code execution vulnerability that can be leveraged for lateral movement within networks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of Foxit PhantomPDF, implementing network-based controls to block malicious PDF content, and deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper memory management in document processing applications, as highlighted by CWE-190, which addresses integer overflow conditions. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the risk of successful exploitation through social engineering tactics, while monitoring network traffic for suspicious PDF-related activities. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other PDF processing applications and ensure comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors. The remediation process should include not only software updates but also network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.