CVE-2018-18689 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2018-18689, a PDF Signature Wrapping vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader, PhantomPDF, and other PDF software. Find mitigation steps and updates here.
PDF Signature Wrapping Vulnerability
Understanding CVE-2018-18689
What is CVE-2018-18689?
The Portable Document Format (PDF) specification lacks specific information on signature validation procedures, leading to a vulnerability known as Signature Wrapping. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate /ByteRange and xref elements without detection during the signature-validation process.
The Impact of CVE-2018-18689
This vulnerability affects various software products, including Foxit Reader versions prior to 9.4, PhantomPDF versions prior to 8.3.9 and 9.x versions prior to 9.4, as well as several other PDF-related software.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-18689
Vulnerability Description
The PDF Signature Wrapping vulnerability arises from the absence of specific signature validation procedures in the PDF specification, enabling attackers to manipulate elements without detection.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Foxit Reader versions before 9.4
- PhantomPDF versions before 8.3.9 and 9.x versions before 9.4
- eXpert PDF 12 Ultimate
- Expert PDF Reader
- Nitro Pro
- Nitro Reader
- PDF Architect 6
- PDF Editor 6 Pro
- PDF Experte 9 Ultimate
- PDFelement6 Pro
- PDF Studio Viewer 2018
- PDF Studio Pro
- PDF-XChange Editor and Viewer
- Perfect PDF 10 Premium
- Perfect PDF Reader
- Soda PDF
- Soda PDF Desktop
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers exploit the vulnerability by manipulating /ByteRange and xref elements, bypassing the signature-validation process.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update affected software to the latest versions that contain patches for the Signature Wrapping vulnerability.
- Be cautious when opening PDF files from untrusted sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update PDF software to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.
- Implement secure signature validation mechanisms to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Check for security updates and patches from software vendors to address the Signature Wrapping vulnerability.