CVE-2018-19449 in Reader SDK Professsional
Summary
by MITRE
A File Write can occur for specially crafted PDF files in Foxit Reader SDK (ActiveX) Professional 5.4.0.1031 when the JavaScript API Doc.exportAsFDF is used. An attacker can leverage this to gain remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19449 represents a critical security flaw within Foxit Reader SDK Professional version 5.4.0.1031 that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted PDF files. This vulnerability specifically exploits the JavaScript API Doc.exportAsFDF function, which is designed to export form data from PDF documents into FDF (Forms Data Format) files. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the file writing process during PDF processing, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution on vulnerable systems. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the ActiveX component that handles PDF document processing, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PDF documents are frequently opened and processed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of improper file handling within the Foxit Reader SDK's JavaScript runtime environment. When the Doc.exportAsFDF API is invoked with maliciously crafted parameters, the underlying code fails to properly validate the destination file path or file content, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file locations and write malicious content to the filesystem. This represents a classic file write vulnerability that can be leveraged for privilege escalation, as the ActiveX component typically runs with elevated privileges in the context of the user's session. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through simple PDF document opening, requiring no user interaction beyond the initial document access, making it suitable for automated exploitation campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-19449 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within compromised networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, deploy additional malware, or establish persistent access to target systems. The vulnerability's exploitation can occur through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites hosting compromised PDF documents. Security researchers have classified this issue as having a high severity rating due to its remote exploitability and the potential for privilege escalation. Organizations using Foxit Reader SDK Professional 5.4.0.1031 are particularly at risk, as this vulnerability affects not just individual user systems but can potentially compromise entire network infrastructures through successful exploitation.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including patching the Foxit Reader SDK to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability, as well as implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-73 (External Control of File Name or Path) categories, which are commonly exploited in file manipulation attacks. Additionally, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) and T1074 (Data Staged) within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, indicating the need for comprehensive endpoint protection measures. Security teams should also consider implementing strict file validation policies, monitoring for suspicious file write operations, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar flaws in other PDF processing components. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in legitimate PDF processing functionality while maintaining the security posture against this specific threat vector.