CVE-2018-5679 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-2018-5677 and CVE-2018-5680.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5679 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Foxit Reader versions prior to 9.1 and PhantomPDF versions before 9.1. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the PDF processing engine, specifically when handling specially crafted pdf files containing embedded u3d (Universal 3D) images. The flaw operates at the intersection of software security and memory safety, creating a pathway for attackers to compromise systems through carefully constructed malicious documents. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction, meaning targets must either visit a malicious webpage or open a compromised pdf file, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks where human factors play a crucial role.
The technical root cause of CVE-2018-5679 lies in a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs during the parsing of u3d embedded content within pdf documents. When the vulnerable software processes these specific image formats, it fails to properly validate the boundaries of allocated memory objects, leading to a situation where the application attempts to read data beyond the intended memory allocation. This memory safety issue falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can result in information disclosure, application crashes, or more severe exploitation outcomes. The improper validation of user-supplied data creates an attack surface where malicious actors can craft pdf files that trigger memory corruption, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution within the context of the running application process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a method to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable software versions. The read past the end of an allocated object condition creates opportunities for information leakage and can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability in combination with other weaknesses such as those referenced in CVE-2018-5677 and CVE-2018-5680 to build more comprehensive exploitation chains. The attack vector through web-based delivery makes this particularly concerning for enterprise environments where users frequently browse untrusted websites or receive email attachments containing malicious pdf documents. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF installations to address this vulnerability, as the attack surface remains significant for unpatched systems. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched versions to ensure that the update does not introduce compatibility issues with existing document workflows. Security teams should also implement network-based controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to detect and block malicious pdf files before they reach end users. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious websites and email attachments, as the human factor remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation of this vulnerability. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software security patches and implementing layered defense strategies to protect against sophisticated attack vectors that target document processing applications.