CVE-2018-19448 in Reader SDK Professsional
Summary
by MITRE
In Foxit Reader SDK (ActiveX) Professional 5.4.0.1031, an uninitialized object in IReader_ContentProvider::GetDocEventHandler occurs when embedding the control into Office documents. By opening a specially crafted document, an attacker can trigger an out of bounds write condition, possibly leveraging this to gain remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19448 represents a critical security flaw within Foxit Reader SDK Professional version 5.4.0.1031 that manifests through an uninitialized object error in the IReader_ContentProvider::GetDocEventHandler component. This issue specifically emerges when the ActiveX control is embedded within Microsoft Office documents, creating a dangerous attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw stems from improper initialization of memory objects within the content provider interface, which serves as a bridge between the document rendering engine and external document handling components. When Office documents containing maliciously crafted content are opened, the uninitialized object triggers an out-of-bounds write condition that can be systematically exploited to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-457, which describes uninitialized variables that are used in a way that can lead to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation. The IReader_ContentProvider::GetDocEventHandler function fails to properly initialize memory structures before utilizing them in document processing operations, creating a scenario where memory corruption can occur. This particular flaw operates within the context of ActiveX control embedding, which allows for rich document interaction capabilities but also introduces significant security risks when controls are improperly validated or initialized. The vulnerability's exploitation requires crafting a specific Office document that triggers the problematic code path during content loading and processing, making it a targeted attack vector rather than a broad-based vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-19448 extends beyond simple document rendering failures, as it enables potential remote code execution capabilities that could allow attackers to compromise entire systems. When successfully exploited, the out-of-bounds write condition can overwrite critical memory locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where Office documents are frequently opened, as the attack surface expands to include any user who might encounter a maliciously crafted document. The attack chain typically involves social engineering to deliver the malicious Office document, followed by automatic execution when the document is opened, leveraging the embedded ActiveX control to trigger the exploit. Organizations running affected versions of Foxit Reader SDK Professional are at significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring user interaction beyond document opening.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of Foxit Reader SDK Professional to version 5.4.0.1032 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the uninitialized object handling. System administrators should also implement strict document validation policies, particularly for documents received from external sources, and consider disabling ActiveX controls in Office environments where possible. Network-level protections can include implementing content filtering solutions that scan Office documents for suspicious ActiveX embedding patterns. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1193, which covers Spearphishing Attachments, indicates that this flaw is particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where adversaries craft specific documents to exploit the vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running the affected SDK version and implement layered security controls to reduce the overall risk exposure. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual ActiveX control usage patterns and memory corruption indicators that might signal exploitation attempts.