CVE-2018-19389 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
FoxitReader.exe in Foxit Reader 9.3.0.10826 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (Break instruction exception and application crash) via BMP data because of a ConvertToPDF_x86!ConnectedPDF::ConnectedPDFSDK::FCP_SendEmailNotification issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19389 affects Foxit Reader version 9.3.0.10826 and represents a denial of service condition that can be triggered through maliciously crafted BMP image data. This issue manifests when the FoxitReader.exe application processes BMP files, specifically within the ConvertToPDF_x86!ConnectedPDF::ConnectedPDFSDK::FCP_SendEmailNotification component. The flaw enables remote attackers to induce a break instruction exception that ultimately results in application crash, effectively disrupting normal user operations and potentially providing a vector for more sophisticated attacks.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper input validation and handling of BMP image data within the PDF conversion functionality of Foxit Reader. When the application encounters malformed or specially crafted BMP files, the processing pipeline fails to properly sanitize the input before attempting to convert it to PDF format. This deficiency creates a condition where the application's memory management and execution flow become compromised, leading to the break instruction exception that terminates the process. The vulnerability specifically impacts the ConnectedPDF SDK functionality, which is designed to handle email notifications and PDF sharing features, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of these capabilities in business environments.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations relying on Foxit Reader for document processing and sharing. The denial of service condition can be exploited remotely, meaning attackers do not require physical access to target systems to cause disruption. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where document processing is critical for business operations. The application crash can occur during routine document viewing or conversion activities, potentially leading to productivity losses and requiring system administrators to restart the application or reboot affected systems. The vulnerability also raises concerns about potential escalation opportunities, as the break instruction exception may provide attackers with insights into the application's memory layout and execution patterns.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the attack chain framework, where it may serve as an initial foothold for more complex attacks or as a component in broader exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves the use of application execution through legitimate interface. Organizations should prioritize patch management to address this issue, as Foxit released updates to resolve the input validation shortcomings in their software. Additionally, network segmentation and application whitelisting policies can provide temporary mitigation while patches are deployed. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust input validation and proper error handling in document processing applications, particularly those handling multiple file formats and conversion functionalities.