CVE-2018-9946 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information 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 setTimeOut 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 in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5471.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9946 represents a critical information disclosure flaw affecting Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 and potentially other versions within the same release cycle. This security weakness resides in the application's handling of JavaScript execution within PDF documents, specifically within the setTimeOut method implementation. The vulnerability operates under the purview of CWE-476 which classifies null pointer dereferences, indicating that the application fails to validate object existence before executing operations on referenced elements. The flaw manifests when Foxit Reader processes maliciously crafted PDF files or web pages containing embedded JavaScript code that triggers the vulnerable setTimeOut method, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, meaning that a successful attack necessitates the victim visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted PDF file containing the exploit code. This interaction requirement places the vulnerability in the category of client-side attacks that rely on social engineering tactics to compromise systems. The underlying flaw stems from improper input validation where the application does not adequately verify whether an object reference exists before attempting to access or manipulate its properties. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution, and specifically represents a code injection vector that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and information gathering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential gateway for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute code within the context of the current process, effectively gaining the same privileges as the Foxit Reader application itself. This privilege escalation capability means that compromised systems could become entry points for further network infiltration, data exfiltration, or lateral movement activities. The vulnerability's classification under ZDI-CAN-5471 indicates it was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative and subjected to coordinated vulnerability disclosure protocols, highlighting its significance within the cybersecurity community. Organizations running Foxit Reader installations face potential exposure to attackers who could leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive documents, system information, or establish persistent access to victim environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9946 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Foxit Reader installations to the latest available security updates from the vendor. System administrators should implement network-based controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains and suspicious PDF content. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted PDF files and websites, particularly those that might contain embedded JavaScript code. The implementation of least privilege principles for Foxit Reader execution and regular security assessments of PDF handling capabilities can further reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for anomalous JavaScript execution patterns and unauthorized code loading activities, providing visibility into potential exploitation attempts. Security teams must maintain awareness of the ATT&CK framework's evolving techniques and ensure their defensive measures address not only the immediate vulnerability but also potential exploitation patterns that may emerge from similar weaknesses in other software components.