CVE-2018-3960 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the JavaScript engine of Foxit Software's Foxit PDF Reader version 9.1.0.5096. A use-after-free condition can occur when accessing the Producer property of the this.info object. An attacker needs to trick the user to open the malicious file to trigger this vulnerability. If the browser plugin extension is enabled, visiting a malicious site can also trigger the vulnerability.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3960 represents a critical use-after-free condition within the JavaScript engine of Foxit PDF Reader version 9.1.0.5096, classified under CWE-416 as an attempt to use memory after it has been freed. This flaw specifically manifests when accessing the Producer property of the this.info object within the PDF reader's JavaScript execution environment, creating a scenario where previously deallocated memory locations are accessed, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction through opening a malicious PDF file or visiting a compromised website when the browser plugin extension is enabled, making it a remote code execution vector with significant operational impact.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental memory management principles within the JavaScript engine of Foxit PDF Reader, where the application fails to properly validate memory references when accessing the Producer property. When a malicious PDF document is processed, the JavaScript engine attempts to access a memory location that has already been freed, creating a use-after-free condition that can be leveraged by attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected user. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript and the broader category of T1547.001 for registry run keys and startup folder, as the exploitation often involves persistent malicious code execution within the PDF reader environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including data theft, system compromise, and persistence mechanisms within the victim's environment. The vulnerability's trigger mechanism through both local file execution and web-based attacks makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with PDF documents from untrusted sources. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat when assessing PDF reader security, as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that can bypass traditional security controls and potentially lead to complete system compromise. Organizations should implement immediate patching strategies and consider network-level controls to prevent access to known malicious PDF files while monitoring for exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3960 should include immediate deployment of Foxit's security patches, implementation of PDF file scanning and filtering mechanisms, and user education regarding the dangers of opening suspicious PDF documents. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to prevent access to malicious websites that may host exploit code. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in software development and highlights the need for regular security assessments of JavaScript engines within document readers. Organizations should also consider alternative PDF reading solutions or sandboxed environments for processing untrusted PDF content to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.