CVE-2022-40129 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE • 11/21/2022
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the JavaScript engine of Foxit Software's PDF Reader, version 12.0.1.12430. A specially-crafted PDF document can trigger the reuse of previously freed memory via misusing Optional Content Group API, which can lead to arbitrary code execution. An attacker needs to trick the user into opening the malicious file to trigger this vulnerability. Exploitation is also possible if a user visits a specially-crafted, malicious site if the browser plugin extension is enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition in Foxit PDF Reader's JavaScript engine that stems from improper memory management during Optional Content Group API operations. The flaw occurs when the software attempts to reuse memory that has already been freed, creating a scenario where subsequent operations can access invalid memory locations. This particular weakness manifests specifically within the handling of optional content groups, which are used to control the visibility and presentation of different elements within PDF documents. The vulnerability exists in version 12.0.1.12430 of Foxit Reader, making it a targeted issue for attackers seeking to exploit PDF processing applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful crafting of a malicious PDF document that triggers the specific memory management error through misuse of the Optional Content Group API. When a user opens such a document, the JavaScript engine processes the content and inadvertently accesses memory that was previously deallocated, leading to a potential memory corruption state. This memory corruption can be leveraged by attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user, effectively compromising the entire system. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through multiple vectors including direct file opening and web-based attacks when browser plugins are enabled, expanding the potential attack surface significantly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise, as the attacker gains the ability to run malicious code within the context of the PDF reader application. This could lead to data theft, system monitoring, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms within the victim environment. The attack requires user interaction to initiate the malicious document opening, which aligns with social engineering tactics commonly employed in targeted attacks. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure memory management practices in applications that process untrusted data, particularly in document readers that execute embedded scripting languages. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-416, which addresses use-after-free conditions, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript-based execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Foxit Reader version to address the underlying memory management flaw. Organizations should implement strict document filtering policies that prevent the opening of untrusted PDF files, particularly in high-security environments. Browser-based mitigations include disabling PDF plugin extensions when not explicitly required, as these provide additional attack vectors for exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious PDF file characteristics and unusual JavaScript behavior within PDF processing applications. Network-level controls can help by blocking access to known malicious PDF sources and implementing content inspection for PDF files. Regular security assessments of PDF processing applications should be conducted to identify similar memory management issues, with particular attention to how optional content and scripting features are handled. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of robust input validation and memory management practices in software development, particularly for applications that process complex document formats with embedded scripting capabilities.