CVE-2018-18933 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
The u3d plugin 9.3.0.10809 (aka plugins\U3DBrowser.fpi) in FoxitReader.exe in Foxit Reader 9.3.0.10826 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) or obtain sensitive information via a U3D sample.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18933 represents a critical security flaw within the Foxit Reader application's U3D plugin component. This issue affects version 9.3.0.10826 and specifically targets the plugins\U3DBrowser.fpi module which handles Universal 3D file processing. The vulnerability manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited by remote attackers through maliciously crafted U3D sample files, creating a significant risk to system availability and data integrity. The U3D format is commonly used for 3D graphics and models, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given the widespread use of 3D content in various applications and documents.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the U3D plugin's parsing routines. When Foxit Reader processes a U3D file, the plugin fails to properly validate the boundaries of memory access operations during the parsing of 3D model data structures. This allows an attacker to craft a specially formatted U3D sample that triggers memory access violations, resulting in either a denial of service condition where the application crashes or potentially sensitive information disclosure through the out-of-bounds memory reads. The flaw operates at the memory management level and can be classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read vulnerability, which represents a fundamental weakness in input validation and memory safety mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no local privileges or user interaction beyond opening a malicious document, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential information disclosure risks that could expose sensitive data contained in memory. When exploited successfully, the out-of-bounds read condition can lead to application crashes and system instability, effectively creating a denial of service scenario that impacts legitimate users attempting to access documents. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. This characteristic aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code or cause service interruptions. The potential for sensitive information disclosure adds another layer of risk as attackers may be able to extract confidential data from memory regions that should remain protected, particularly concerning documents containing proprietary or classified information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-18933 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Foxit Reader installations, as the vendor released updates to address the underlying memory handling issues in the U3D plugin. Organizations should implement network-based protections including content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious U3D files. Security teams should also consider disabling U3D plugin functionality entirely if the feature is not essential for business operations, as recommended by the principle of least privilege in cybersecurity. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual application behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, including unexpected crashes or memory access violations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in software development, particularly for plugins and third-party components that process complex file formats. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for similar out-of-bounds read conditions in other document processing components, as these types of flaws remain prevalent in enterprise software environments and represent significant attack surface vulnerabilities that require continuous monitoring and remediation efforts.