CVE-2018-19388 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
FoxitReader.exe in Foxit Reader 9.3.0.10826 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read, access violation, and application crash) via TIFF data because of a ConvertToPDF_x86!ReleaseFXURLToHtml issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19388 affects Foxit Reader version 9.3.0.10826 and represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited remotely to trigger a denial of service attack. This flaw exists within the FoxitReader.exe executable and specifically targets the TIFF file processing functionality. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of TIFF data during the conversion process, particularly within the ConvertToPDF_x86!ReleaseFXURLToHtml component. When maliciously crafted TIFF files are processed by the vulnerable software, the application attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, leading to access violations and subsequent application crashes.
This security weakness falls under the CWE-125 out-of-bounds read classification, which is a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently identified as a critical threat vector in software security assessments. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of file format processing and memory management, where the application fails to properly validate the bounds of TIFF data structures before attempting to process them. The specific function ReleaseFXURLToHtml within the ConvertToPDF_x86 module demonstrates inadequate input validation mechanisms that allow attackers to craft TIFF files containing malformed data sequences. These sequences cause the application to dereference invalid memory addresses during the conversion process, resulting in immediate system instability and application termination.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it represents a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks within the ATT&CK framework's execution and persistence categories. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to repeatedly crash the Foxit Reader application, creating a persistent denial of service condition that would prevent legitimate users from accessing PDF documents. The remote exploitability aspect means that attackers can trigger this condition without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PDF processing is common. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or cause system instability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19388 should prioritize immediate patching of the Foxit Reader application to the latest version that addresses the out-of-bounds read condition. Organizations should implement network-based security controls such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent the processing of untrusted TIFF files, particularly in environments where PDF documents are frequently exchanged. The implementation of least privilege principles for PDF reader applications can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious TIFF file processing patterns and monitor for application crash events that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of Foxit Reader installations to ensure that all systems have been updated to versions that contain the necessary memory safety fixes.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in document processing software, particularly when handling complex file formats like TIFF that contain numerous potential data structures and encoding variations. Security practitioners should recognize that this type of out-of-bounds read vulnerability represents a common attack surface that requires careful attention to buffer management and data validation routines. Organizations should maintain comprehensive patch management processes that include regular updates to third-party document processing applications, as these components often serve as primary attack vectors in enterprise security incidents. The specific nature of this vulnerability also underscores the need for robust software security testing that includes fuzzing and boundary condition testing for file format parsers to identify similar memory safety issues before they can be exploited in production environments.