CVE-2018-9943 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 openList 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-5377.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9943 represents a critical security flaw in Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 that enables remote code execution through a type confusion condition. This vulnerability resides within the application's handling of the openList method, where insufficient input validation allows malicious data to be processed without proper sanitization. The flaw specifically manifests when the software processes user-supplied data during the parsing of PDF documents, creating an environment where attacker-controlled input can manipulate the application's memory management and execution flow. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning an attacker must convince a victim to visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted malicious file containing the vulnerable code sequence. This attack vector aligns with common social engineering techniques that leverage user trust to deliver payloads through seemingly legitimate documents or web content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a type confusion issue that falls under CWE-843, which specifically addresses the condition where a program uses a value of one data type in a context expecting another data type. In Foxit Reader's case, the openList method fails to properly validate the type of data being processed, allowing an attacker to manipulate the type information stored in memory. When the application attempts to execute operations on this corrupted data type, it can cause the program to interpret memory contents as executable code, leading to arbitrary code execution. This type confusion vulnerability operates at the intersection of memory corruption and code execution, where the attacker can manipulate the program's internal state to redirect execution flow. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal security boundaries and execute malicious code within the context of the Foxit Reader process, potentially compromising the entire system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Since the vulnerability operates under the context of the current process, an attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can gain the same privileges as the Foxit Reader application, typically running with the permissions of the user who opened the malicious document. This presents a significant risk to enterprise environments where users may have elevated privileges or access to sensitive data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious page or opening a file, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks. Organizations using Foxit Reader versions prior to the patched release face substantial risk, as this vulnerability can be leveraged for persistent threats, data exfiltration, or as a stepping stone for further attacks within a network. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can potentially compromise systems without requiring physical access or local network presence, making it particularly concerning for organizations with remote workers or public-facing systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9943 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates and application of vendor patches. Organizations should prioritize updating Foxit Reader to versions that contain the necessary fixes for the type confusion vulnerability in the openList method. Security teams should implement network-based controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block access to known malicious domains and files that may contain exploits for this vulnerability. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious web pages and email attachments that could contain malicious PDF documents. The implementation of principle of least privilege and sandboxing techniques can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual process behavior and memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain code execution, making it essential for security teams to maintain comprehensive threat hunting activities focused on identifying potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other software applications within the organization's attack surface.