CVE-2018-9974 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 ConvertToPDF_x86.dll. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5895.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9974 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Foxit Reader version 9.0.1.1049 that enables remote code execution under specific conditions. This security weakness resides in the ConvertToPDF_x86.dll component of the software, making it a prime target for exploitation by threat actors seeking to compromise systems through malicious web content or file attachments. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate the length of user-supplied data before copying it into a heap-based buffer, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise within the context of the current user process. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or documents that, when opened by an unsuspecting user, trigger the buffer overflow condition in ConvertToPDF_x86.dll. This exploitation mechanism aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of malicious files or web content to execute code on target systems. The requirement for user interaction makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in social engineering campaigns where users might be tricked into visiting malicious websites or opening compromised attachments. The heap-based buffer overflow allows attackers to overwrite critical memory structures, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the Foxit Reader process, which could be elevated depending on the system configuration and user permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-9974 should prioritize immediate software updates from Foxit to address the specific buffer overflow in ConvertToPDF_x86.dll. Organizations should implement network-based protections through web proxies and content filtering systems to block access to known malicious domains and content that could trigger this vulnerability. Security teams must also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted PDF files and web content, particularly in high-risk environments. The vulnerability's characteristics make it susceptible to exploitation through various attack vectors including drive-by downloads, phishing campaigns, and malicious advertisements, making comprehensive network security controls essential. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running vulnerable versions of Foxit Reader, while user education programs should emphasize the dangers of visiting untrusted websites or opening suspicious email attachments. The remediation process should include immediate patch deployment followed by thorough system verification to ensure complete protection against this specific heap-based buffer overflow condition that could allow remote code execution.