CVE-2019-8342 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE
A Local Privilege Escalation in libqcocoa.dylib in Foxit Reader 3.1.0.0111 on macOS has been discovered due to an incorrect permission set.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8342 represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw within Foxit Reader version 3.1.0.0111 on macOS systems. This issue resides in the libqcocoa.dylib library component which serves as a Qt platform integration module for cocoa-based applications on macos. The vulnerability stems from improper permission settings that allow local attackers to manipulate system resources and elevate their privileges from standard user level to administrative access. The flaw specifically manifests when the application loads the malicious library component, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation through improper access controls.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper permissions for a resource. The libqcocoa.dylib library file contains executable code that is loaded with insufficient permission controls, allowing unauthorized modifications or replacements by local users. When Foxit Reader executes with elevated privileges to perform its core functions, the improperly configured library component creates a window where malicious actors can inject code or modify existing functionality. This occurs because the application fails to properly validate or enforce access controls on the dynamic library loading process, creating a path for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it leverages the trust model inherent in the application's runtime environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. An attacker with local access can exploit this flaw to gain root privileges and subsequently access all system resources, user data, and sensitive information stored on the affected macOS system. The vulnerability affects the entire Foxit Reader application suite and potentially impacts any system where the application is installed with elevated privileges. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where users may have standard accounts but the application runs with administrative permissions. The attack vector is relatively straightforward requiring only local system access, making it particularly dangerous in shared or multi-user environments where privilege separation is critical for security.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves immediate patching of Foxit Reader installations to versions that address the improper permission settings in the libqcocoa.dylib library. System administrators should also enforce strict file permission controls on application directories and implement monitoring for unauthorized modifications to critical library files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation and access control enforcement in application design, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through improper permissions. Additional mitigations include implementing application whitelisting policies, regular security audits of installed applications, and monitoring for suspicious library loading activities. Organizations should also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability for their overall security posture, as it highlights the need for comprehensive application security reviews and proper privilege management practices. The flaw serves as a reminder that even legitimate applications can contain security weaknesses that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to systems.