CVE-2022-24357
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-24357 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code when users open malicious PDF files or visit malicious web pages. The vulnerability exists in Annotation object handling where the software fails to validate object existence before operations. All users of affected Foxit PDF Reader versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit PDF Reader
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise via arbitrary code execution with current user privileges, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within networks.
Likely Case
Malicious actors deliver weaponized PDFs via phishing campaigns to execute malware, steal credentials, or establish persistence on victim systems.
If Mitigated
With proper controls, exploitation attempts are blocked by security software, sandboxing, or user awareness preventing malicious file execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but is technically straightforward once malicious PDF is opened. ZDI-CAN-15743 tracking suggests active research.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Foxit PDF Reader 11.1.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.foxit.com/support/security-bulletins.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Foxit PDF Reader. 2. Go to Help > Check for Updates. 3. Follow prompts to install latest version. 4. Alternatively, download and install latest version from Foxit website. 5. Restart system after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit Reader
allPrevents JavaScript-based exploitation vectors in PDF files
Open Foxit Reader > File > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
windowsOpen PDFs in sandboxed protected mode
Open Foxit Reader > File > Preferences > General > Check 'Open cross-domain PDF files in Protected Mode'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Block PDF files from untrusted sources at email gateways and web proxies
- Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized PDF reader execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit Reader version: Open Foxit Reader > Help > About Foxit Reader. If version is 11.1.0.52543 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic product where name="Foxit Reader" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 11.1.1 or later in Help > About Foxit Reader. Test with known safe PDF files to ensure functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Foxit Reader crash logs with memory access violations
- Unexpected child processes spawned from Foxit Reader
- Multiple failed PDF file openings
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PDF files from suspicious domains
- Outbound connections from Foxit Reader process to unknown IPs
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND (event_id:1000 OR event_id:1001) AND exception_code:0xc0000005