CVE-2018-14301 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been discovered in Foxit Reader 9.0.1.5096 that allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized code on affected systems by exploiting a flaw in how Sound annotations are handled during document processing.

Understanding CVE-2018-14301

This CVE entry describes a critical vulnerability in Foxit Reader that could lead to remote code execution.

What is CVE-2018-14301?

The vulnerability in Foxit Reader 9.0.1.5096 enables attackers to execute unauthorized code by manipulating certain elements of a document, causing a pointer to be reused after release.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14301

Attackers can execute code within the ongoing process by exploiting this vulnerability.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14301

This section provides technical details about the vulnerability in Foxit Reader.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 9.0.1.5096.
User interaction is required, such as visiting a malicious page or opening a corrupted file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Foxit Reader
Vendor: Foxit
Version: 9.0.1.5096

Exploitation Mechanism

The flaw exists in how Sound annotations are processed, allowing attackers to reuse a pointer after it has been freed.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to protect your system from the CVE-2018-14301 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Foxit Reader to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid visiting suspicious websites or opening files from unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and file handling practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and advisories from Foxit to apply patches promptly.