CVE-2018-9942 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 9.0.0.29935. 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 handling of the record remove method. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a type confusion condition. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5376.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
CVE-2018-9942 represents a critical type confusion vulnerability in Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 that enables remote code execution through improper input validation during record removal operations. This vulnerability falls under CWE-466, which specifically addresses the use of double-free or type confusion conditions in software implementations. The flaw manifests when the application processes user-supplied data during the handling of record removal methods, failing to properly validate or sanitize input parameters that should be strictly controlled. The absence of adequate validation creates a type confusion scenario where the application incorrectly interprets data types, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution as it represents a sophisticated attack vector that requires user interaction to be effective. According to ATT&CK framework tactic T1203, this vulnerability aligns with the exploitation of software vulnerabilities through user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in targeted phishing campaigns or malicious document delivery scenarios. Attackers can craft specially designed PDF files or web pages that trigger the vulnerable code path when opened or visited, effectively bypassing traditional network security controls. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a malicious page or file to be opened, which means it operates within the context of user behavior patterns rather than purely network-based attacks, making it more challenging to detect through automated network monitoring alone.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the classic symptoms of a type confusion attack where the application's memory management becomes compromised due to insufficient data validation. When processing the record removal method, the software fails to properly validate the type of data being processed, leading to a situation where attacker-controlled data can manipulate the application's internal state. This condition creates opportunities for heap-based memory corruption that can be leveraged to overwrite function pointers or control structures within the application's memory space. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that successful exploitation results in code execution under the context of the current process, meaning attackers can potentially gain access to all system resources and permissions available to the Foxit Reader application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9942 should include immediate patch application from Foxit Corporation, as the vendor has released updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive network security controls including web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious PDF files or web pages containing exploit code. According to NIST cybersecurity framework, implementing defense-in-depth strategies is crucial, which includes regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify potentially affected systems. Additionally, user education and awareness programs should be enhanced to prevent users from opening suspicious files or visiting malicious websites. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and proper memory management practices in software development, particularly in applications handling untrusted data such as PDF documents. Organizations should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for PDF processing and limiting user privileges when opening potentially malicious files to contain potential exploitation attempts.