CVE-2018-19451 in Reader SDK Professsional
Summary
by MITRE
A command injection can occur for specially crafted PDF files in Foxit Reader SDK (ActiveX) Professional 5.4.0.1031 when using the Open File action on a Field. An attacker can leverage this to gain remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19451 represents a critical command injection flaw within the Foxit Reader SDK ActiveX component version 5.4.0.1031. This security weakness specifically manifests when processing specially crafted PDF files through the Open File action on a Field, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. The vulnerability resides in the improper handling of user-supplied input during PDF file processing, where the application fails to adequately validate or sanitize data passed through field actions. Such command injection vulnerabilities are classified under CWE-77 as they allow attackers to inject operating system commands into the application's execution context, bypassing normal input validation mechanisms. The flaw enables an attacker to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious commands that are subsequently executed with the privileges of the affected process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for remote code execution within the target environment. When a user opens a maliciously crafted PDF file through Foxit Reader SDK, the application's ActiveX component processes the file and executes the injected commands without proper security controls. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on Foxit Reader for document processing, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted PDF content. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where PDF processing is automated or integrated into business workflows. Attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware components, making it a particularly dangerous vulnerability in the context of targeted attacks.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's command and control techniques, specifically mapping to T1059.007 for Windows Command Shell and T1078 for valid accounts. The attack chain typically begins with social engineering or delivery of malicious PDF files through email or web-based attack vectors, followed by exploitation of the command injection flaw to execute arbitrary code. Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense including network segmentation, email filtering, and application whitelisting to prevent exploitation. Mitigation strategies include immediate patching of the Foxit Reader SDK component, implementing strict file validation policies for PDF processing, and monitoring for unusual command execution patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure input validation in ActiveX components and demonstrates how seemingly benign document processing functionality can become a vector for severe security breaches. Regular security assessments of third-party components and maintaining updated security patches form essential defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities in document processing software.