CVE-2018-5677 in Foxit Reader
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader before 9.1 and PhantomPDF before 9.1. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the processing of specially crafted pdf files with embedded u3d images. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated object. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute code in the context of the current process, a different vulnerability than CVE-2018-5679 and CVE-2018-5680.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5677 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Foxit Reader versions prior to 9.1 and PhantomPDF versions before 9.1. This security issue demonstrates the ongoing challenges in PDF processing software where maliciously crafted documents can compromise system integrity. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated exploitation vector that requires user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios where social engineering plays a significant role. The flaw specifically manifests during the processing of PDF files containing embedded u3d (Universal 3D) images, which are three-dimensional graphics objects used for complex visual representations within documents.
Technical analysis reveals that the core issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the PDF parsing engine of these applications. When processing specially crafted PDF files with embedded u3d content, the software fails to properly validate the boundaries of user-supplied data structures. This validation failure creates a buffer overread condition where the application attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated object boundaries. The root cause aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that occur when software reads data past the end of a valid buffer. The improper handling of memory access patterns during u3d image processing creates a predictable exploitation scenario where attackers can manipulate memory layout to achieve arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5677 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with the ability to operate within the security context of the currently running process. This privilege escalation opportunity allows malicious actors to perform actions that would otherwise be restricted to legitimate users or system processes. The vulnerability operates under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059, which encompasses command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation. The attack chain typically begins with a user visiting a malicious webpage or opening a compromised PDF file, followed by the exploitation of the buffer overread condition to inject and execute malicious code. This vulnerability is distinct from related CVE-2018-5679 and CVE-2018-5680, indicating multiple attack surfaces within the same software family that require comprehensive remediation efforts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5677 primarily focus on immediate software updates and user education. Organizations should prioritize updating Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF installations to version 9.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the buffer overread vulnerability. Network administrators can implement additional protective measures such as PDF file scanning, web application firewalls, and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious PDF content before it reaches end users. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing technologies that isolate PDF processing in restricted environments, preventing potential code execution from affecting the primary system. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in security-critical applications and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of file parsing components against malicious inputs. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other PDF processing software and prevent exploitation of related vulnerabilities within the broader attack surface.