CVE-2018-9945 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 getField method. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5382.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9945 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 that demonstrates a classic object validation weakness in software security architecture. This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-476, specifically addressing null pointer dereference conditions where the application fails to validate object existence before performing operations on it. The flaw manifests within the getField method of the PDF rendering engine, where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted PDF documents to trigger unauthorized code execution. The attack vector requires user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted PDF file, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in phishing scenarios and targeted attacks against organizations using Foxit Reader as their primary PDF viewer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the getField method attempts to access an object that has not been properly initialized or validated, creating a scenario where memory access violations can be manipulated by attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code. This particular flaw falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1203, which encompasses exploitation of software vulnerabilities for code execution, and specifically maps to T1059 which deals with command and scripting interpreters. The vulnerability essentially creates a path where an attacker can manipulate the PDF parser to execute malicious code within the context of the currently running Foxit Reader process, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or full system compromise depending on the execution environment. The lack of proper object validation in the getField method represents a fundamental security oversight that allows attackers to bypass normal execution flow and inject malicious payloads directly into the application's memory space.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9945 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within organizations that utilize Foxit Reader. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where PDF documents are frequently shared and opened, making it a prime target for advanced persistent threat actors and cybercriminals seeking to establish persistent access to networks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access to systems, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with limited network segmentation or those that do not maintain up-to-date patch management processes. Organizations using Foxit Reader versions prior to the patched release face significant risk of compromise, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or deploy additional malware payloads through the compromised application. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that PDF files are commonly used in business communications, making this vulnerability particularly effective in social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9945 should focus on immediate patch deployment and comprehensive security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should implement strict PDF file validation policies, including sandboxing of PDF documents before opening and network-based filtering of suspicious PDF content. The vulnerability's remediation requires updating to Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.3005 or later, which includes proper object validation checks in the getField method. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns associated with exploitation attempts, particularly those targeting PDF parsing functions. Additional protective measures include user education regarding the dangers of opening unknown PDF files, implementation of application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized code, and regular security assessments of PDF handling capabilities within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in software development and the need for comprehensive security testing of parsing functions that handle untrusted data sources.