CVE-2018-3962 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 CreationDate 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3962 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 improper cleanup of memory resources. This flaw specifically manifests when accessing the CreationDate property of the this.info object within the PDF reader's JavaScript execution environment. The vulnerability stems from inadequate memory management practices where freed memory locations are subsequently accessed, creating opportunities for memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires user interaction through opening a malicious PDF file or visiting a compromised website when the browser plugin extension is enabled, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently encounter untrusted PDF content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of JavaScript objects within the PDF reader's runtime environment, specifically targeting the this.info object's CreationDate property. When the PDF reader processes a malicious document containing crafted JavaScript code, the engine fails to properly manage memory allocation and deallocation for the referenced object properties. This memory management failure creates a window where freed memory can be reallocated and accessed, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical memory locations with malicious payloads. The use-after-free condition typically occurs during garbage collection cycles or when the JavaScript engine attempts to access the freed object reference, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic memory safety issue that has been historically exploited in PDF readers and other document processing applications due to the complex nature of JavaScript execution within document contexts.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3962 extends beyond simple exploitation to encompass significant security risks for organizations relying on Foxit PDF Reader for document processing and viewing. The vulnerability's trigger mechanism through user interaction makes it particularly challenging to defend against in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently encounter malicious content. The browser plugin extension component adds another attack surface that could be leveraged through drive-by download scenarios, where visiting compromised websites automatically triggers the exploit without explicit user interaction. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling adversaries to gain access to system resources through application vulnerabilities. Organizations may experience data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within networks if attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, as it provides a pathway for executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the PDF reader process. The impact is particularly severe given that PDF readers are frequently used for handling sensitive business documents and personal information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3962 should prioritize immediate patching of the Foxit PDF Reader to version 9.1.1.5103 or later, which contains the necessary memory management fixes to prevent the use-after-free condition. System administrators should implement strict content filtering measures, including sandboxing PDF processing applications, disabling JavaScript execution in PDF readers when not required, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious PDF content. Network segmentation and user education programs can help reduce the attack surface by limiting exposure to potentially malicious content and training users to avoid opening suspicious PDF files. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies, as it demonstrates how a single memory safety flaw can provide attackers with complete system compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to detect potentially compromised PDF files and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing PDF-based exploit scenarios. Regular security assessments of document processing applications and browser plugins are essential to identify similar memory management vulnerabilities that could be exploited in similar attack vectors.