CVE-2018-17618 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 handling of Selection Change events. 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 in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-6336.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2020
CVE-2018-17618 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.5096, classified under CWE-476 as NULL Pointer Dereference. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the application's handling of Selection Change events, creating a dangerous condition where the software attempts to operate on an object that may not exist. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes user interactions that trigger selection changes, failing to properly verify object existence before executing operations on the referenced elements. This NULL pointer dereference vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious web pages or documents that, when opened or viewed by an unsuspecting user, trigger the exploitable code path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to run arbitrary commands with the privileges of the current user process. This represents a significant escalation from a typical web-based attack vector, as it can potentially lead to full system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques or when the vulnerable application runs with elevated privileges. The requirement for user interaction through visiting malicious pages or opening malicious files creates a social engineering component that attackers can leverage, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with external content. The vulnerability's classification under the ZDI-CAN-6336 identifier indicates it was recognized and tracked by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The attack chain typically involves delivering malicious content through web-based delivery methods, phishing campaigns, or compromised websites, with the user's interaction serving as the critical attack vector. Organizations using Foxit Reader in their workflows face substantial risk, particularly in environments where users have limited security awareness or where the application is frequently used to open external documents. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical sophistication from attackers, making it attractive for both advanced persistent threats and opportunistic malware campaigns.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Foxit Reader installations, as the vendor released updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help prevent users from accessing malicious content, though these measures are not foolproof against determined attackers. User education and awareness programs become critical components of defense, particularly in identifying suspicious web pages or email attachments that might contain malicious content. System hardening measures including restricted user permissions, application whitelisting, and sandboxing techniques can significantly reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns or process execution behaviors may help detect exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments can identify other potential vulnerabilities in the organization's document processing infrastructure.