CVE-2018-19348 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 because of a "Data from Faulting Address controls Branch Selection starting at U3DBrowser!PlugInMain+0x000000000012dff5" issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19348 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the u3d plugin component of Foxit Reader version 9.3.0.10826. This issue specifically affects the U3DBrowser.fpi plugin which handles Universal 3D file format processing within the Foxit Reader application. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted U3D sample files, creating a dangerous condition where data from a faulting memory address directly controls branch selection within the plugin's execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure and system instability. The flaw exists in the U3DBrowser!PlugInMain function at offset 0x12dff5, indicating a precise location within the plugin's code where the memory access violation occurs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass potential information disclosure risks that could expose sensitive data to remote attackers. When a malicious U3D file is processed, the out-of-bounds read operation can cause the application to access memory locations that contain confidential information such as stack contents, heap data, or other sensitive application state information. This information disclosure threat is particularly concerning given that Foxit Reader is widely used for processing PDF documents and related 3D content, making it a prime target for adversaries seeking to extract confidential data from user systems. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can trigger this condition without requiring local access to the target system, making it a significant threat vector in enterprise environments.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for malicious file delivery, as it enables remote code execution through crafted file delivery. The out-of-bounds read condition creates a predictable pattern that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability's presence in a widely deployed PDF reader application means that successful exploitation could affect thousands of users across various industries, particularly those who frequently process 3D content within PDF documents. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in plugin architectures, as the faulting address controls branch selection indicating a potential path for code redirection attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19348 should prioritize immediate patch application from Foxit Corporation, as the vendor has likely released a security update addressing this specific out-of-bounds read condition. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent processing of untrusted U3D files, particularly in high-risk environments. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of potentially vulnerable plugins, combined with regular security assessments of third-party components within enterprise applications. Additionally, system administrators should consider disabling U3D plugin functionality entirely if 3D content processing is not required for business operations, as this represents a fundamental defense-in-depth approach to limiting attack surface. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust software composition analysis to identify and remediate similar issues in third-party components.