CVE-2018-14301 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 9.0.1.5096. 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 processing of Sound annotations. By manipulating a document's elements, an attacker can cause a pointer to be reused after it has been freed. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-6217.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2020
This vulnerability in Foxit Reader 9.0.1.5096 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow condition that enables remote code execution through malformed Sound annotations. The flaw stems from improper memory management during document processing, specifically when handling audio elements within PDF files. Attackers can craft malicious documents that trigger use-after-free conditions when the application processes Sound annotations, allowing arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning victims must either visit a malicious webpage hosting the compromised PDF or open the crafted file directly, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses categorized under CWE-416, which describes use-after-free conditions where program memory is accessed after it has been freed. This particular flaw operates at the intersection of memory corruption and privilege escalation, as the attacker can execute code within the context of the Foxit Reader process. The exploitation mechanism relies on manipulating the document structure to force the application into a state where freed memory pointers are accessed again, potentially allowing for stack smashing or code injection attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly innocuous document elements like audio annotations can become entry points for sophisticated attacks when proper input validation and memory management are absent.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-14301 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to systems where Foxit Reader is installed. This vulnerability can be leveraged in phishing campaigns, drive-by download attacks, or targeted social engineering operations where victims are tricked into opening malicious documents. The attack surface is particularly wide given that Foxit Reader is commonly used for document viewing across various industries, including finance, healthcare, and government sectors where sensitive information is frequently handled. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to achieve full system compromise, making it a valuable target for advanced persistent threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected Foxit Reader installations, as the vendor has released updates addressing the heap corruption issue. Organizations should implement strict document filtering policies that prevent execution of PDF files from untrusted sources, particularly those containing embedded audio elements. Network security controls such as web application firewalls and content inspection systems can help detect and block malicious PDF files before they reach end users. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying document sources and avoiding suspicious email attachments or web downloads. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of application sandboxing and privilege separation techniques, as recommended in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for preventing privilege escalation attacks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of document processing applications to identify similar memory corruption vulnerabilities in other software products.