CVE-2018-14306 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 button objects. 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-6266.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2020
CVE-2018-14306 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.5096 that enables remote code execution through crafted PDF documents. This vulnerability resides in the document processing engine's handling of button objects within PDF files, specifically during the memory management operations of these interactive elements. The flaw manifests when the application processes malformed button objects that trigger improper memory deallocation followed by subsequent reuse of freed memory pointers. This memory corruption pattern creates a classic use-after-free condition that falls under CWE-416, which describes the reuse of a pointer after it has been freed, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors.
The vulnerability requires user interaction to be successfully exploited, meaning that a victim must either visit a malicious web page hosting a crafted PDF file or open a malicious document directly. This user interaction requirement aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation for execution through malicious document files. The attack vector typically involves an attacker crafting a PDF document with specially constructed button objects that, when processed by Foxit Reader, cause the application to attempt to access memory that has already been deallocated. The pointer reuse creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution within the context of the currently running process, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or execute malicious payloads with the same permissions as the vulnerable application.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to organizations relying on Foxit Reader for document processing, as it can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, malicious websites, or compromised document repositories. The exploitation occurs at the application layer, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses many traditional network-based security controls. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can potentially gain full control over affected systems without requiring local access or elevated privileges. Organizations using Foxit Reader for processing untrusted documents face heightened exposure, as the attack can be delivered through standard web browsing or document sharing activities, making it difficult to predict and prevent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-14306 should prioritize immediate patching of Foxit Reader installations to the latest available version that addresses this specific heap corruption vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict document filtering policies that prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious content, particularly for PDF files from untrusted sources. Network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help detect and block malicious PDF files before they reach end users. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for PDF processing, as outlined in ATT&CK technique T1059, which recommends execution through sandboxed environments to isolate potentially malicious code. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Foxit Reader, while user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious documents and websites. The vulnerability's exploitation potential makes it essential for organizations to maintain up-to-date patch management procedures and to monitor security advisories from vendors to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities.