CVE-2018-9951 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 CPDF_Object objects. 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-5414.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9951 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Foxit Reader version 9.0.0.29935 that demonstrates a classic improper input validation weakness. This vulnerability resides within the CPDF_Object handling mechanisms of the PDF reader application, where the software fails to properly validate whether objects exist before attempting operations on them. The flaw constitutes a direct violation of secure coding practices and creates a dangerous condition where memory access violations can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability operates under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted malicious PDF file, making it a prime example of a client-side attack vector. This user interaction requirement aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage vulnerabilities in applications to gain remote code execution capabilities. The attack scenario begins when a victim interacts with the malicious content, triggering the vulnerable code path within the CPDF_Object processing subsystem. The lack of proper object validation creates a window of opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory structures and execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit Reader process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows attackers to operate with the privileges and permissions of the current user account running Foxit Reader. This presents a significant risk to enterprise environments where users may have elevated privileges or access to sensitive data through the PDF reader application. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. Organizations running Foxit Reader 9.0.0.29935 are particularly vulnerable as this version contains the specific flaw that allows attackers to bypass standard security controls and execute malicious payloads directly within the application's memory space.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9951 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Foxit Corporation, as this vulnerability has been widely documented and exploited in the wild. System administrators should implement network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to block access to known malicious domains and file types. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running Foxit Reader with minimal user permissions and avoiding execution with administrative privileges. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing sandboxing technologies to isolate PDF processing operations and monitor for suspicious memory access patterns. Security teams should also establish network monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain detailed logs of PDF file access and processing activities. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as a client-side exploitation technique emphasizes the need for comprehensive endpoint protection strategies that include both traditional antivirus solutions and advanced behavioral monitoring systems to detect anomalous code execution patterns.