CVE-2018-9968 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 9.0.1.1049. 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 Keystroke actions of TextBox 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-5572.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
This vulnerability in Foxit Reader 9.0.1.1049 represents a critical remote code execution flaw that demonstrates poor input validation practices in document processing software. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of Keystroke actions within TextBox objects, where the application fails to validate whether an object exists before attempting operations on it. This fundamental flaw in object lifecycle management creates an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability requires user interaction to be exploited, meaning that victims must visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted malicious file containing the vulnerable TextBox object. This user interaction requirement aligns with common attack patterns where social engineering plays a crucial role in successful exploitation. The issue stems from a classic programming error where object references are not properly validated before use, creating a potential for null pointer dereferences or other memory corruption scenarios that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows attackers to operate under the privileges of the currently running Foxit Reader process. This means that any code executed through this vulnerability would have the same permissions as the application itself, potentially enabling access to sensitive documents, system resources, or the ability to perform further attacks within the compromised environment. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw places it within the context of high-risk security issues that can affect enterprise environments where document processing applications are widely deployed. The lack of proper object validation represents a failure in defensive programming practices and demonstrates the importance of implementing proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise settings where users may encounter malicious content through email attachments, web downloads, or other common attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9968 extends to organizations that rely heavily on document processing software, as exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install additional malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a malicious page or file, which means that organizations must implement robust email filtering, web proxy configurations, and user education programs to mitigate the risk. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack frameworks such as the attack tree model where multiple attack paths can lead to the same outcome. The vulnerability's presence in Foxit Reader highlights the importance of keeping document processing applications updated, as this flaw was likely addressed in subsequent releases through proper object validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and application whitelisting to limit the potential damage from such vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected Foxit Reader installations, as well as network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with common attack patterns documented in the attack phase of the kill chain, where initial access is gained through malicious content delivery. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures where all content is validated regardless of source. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs that can identify and remediate such issues before they can be exploited. The vulnerability's resolution typically involves implementing proper object validation routines and ensuring that all object references are checked for existence before operations are performed. This type of fix is consistent with industry standards for secure coding practices and represents a fundamental requirement for robust application security. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of threat modeling exercises that can identify potential attack vectors in document processing applications and other software that handles untrusted input data.