CVE-2019-6984 in 3D Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Foxit 3D Plugin Beta before 9.4.0.16807 for Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF. The application could encounter a Use-After-Free or Type Confusion and crash during handling of certain PDF files that embed specifically crafted 3D content, due to the use of a wild pointer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6984 represents a critical memory safety issue within the Foxit 3D Plugin Beta component of Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF applications. This flaw exists in versions prior to 9.4.0.16807 and demonstrates the dangers of improper memory management in complex document processing software. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes PDF files containing specially crafted 3D content, creating a scenario where memory corruption can occur during normal document handling operations. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate and manage memory references when processing embedded 3D objects, leading to potentially exploitable conditions that could compromise system integrity.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the application's use of a wild pointer during the processing of 3D content within PDF documents. A wild pointer occurs when a program references memory that has been freed or is otherwise invalid, creating a use-after-free condition that can be exploited by malicious actors. Additionally, the vulnerability exhibits characteristics of type confusion, where the application incorrectly handles data types during memory operations, further amplifying the potential for arbitrary code execution. This combination of memory management flaws creates a particularly dangerous scenario where an attacker could craft a malicious PDF file containing specifically designed 3D content that triggers the vulnerable code path, resulting in application crashes or potentially more severe exploitation outcomes.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-6984 extends beyond simple application instability, as it represents a potential vector for privilege escalation and system compromise. When exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit application, potentially leading to full system compromise if the application runs with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects both Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF applications, which are widely used in enterprise environments for document processing and viewing, making the potential impact substantial. Organizations relying on these applications for document handling are particularly vulnerable, as the attack surface includes any user who might open a malicious PDF file, whether through email attachments, web downloads, or shared network resources. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-416 (Use After Free) and CWE-471 (Modification of Assumed-Immutable Data) aligns with the observed behavior of memory corruption during 3D content processing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-6984 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Foxit applications to version 9.4.0.16807 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the memory management issues. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as restricting PDF file handling capabilities in high-security environments and deploying sandboxing solutions to isolate document processing operations. Network-based protections including web application firewalls and email filtering systems can help prevent the delivery of malicious PDF files containing the crafted 3D content that triggers this vulnerability. Additionally, security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual application crashes or memory access patterns that might suggest exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework's T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) techniques are particularly relevant to understanding potential exploitation paths, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code through compromised PDF viewers. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for this specific vulnerability to ensure comprehensive protection against potential exploitation attempts.