CVE-2022-24365
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader's AcroForms handling that allows remote code execution. Attackers can exploit it by tricking users into opening malicious PDF files or visiting malicious web pages. Affects Foxit PDF Reader users running vulnerable versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit PDF Reader
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining the same privileges as the current user, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation or malware installation on the affected system, with potential for credential harvesting and persistence.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if executed in sandboxed environment or with restricted user privileges, though data exfiltration remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but is straightforward once malicious PDF is opened. ZDI-CAN-15852 indicates professional vulnerability research.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 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. Restart computer after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit Reader
allPrevents JavaScript execution in PDFs which may mitigate some exploitation vectors
File > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allOpen PDFs in protected/sandboxed mode to limit potential damage
File > Preferences > Trust Manager > Check 'Enable Safe Reading Mode'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict PDF file handling to alternative PDF readers that are not vulnerable
- Implement application whitelisting to block execution of Foxit Reader until patched
🔍 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 opening known safe PDF files to ensure functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected Foxit Reader crashes
- Process spawning from Foxit Reader
- Suspicious file access patterns from Foxit process
Network Indicators:
- Foxit Reader making unexpected outbound connections
- DNS requests to suspicious domains after PDF opening
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND (event_id:1 OR parent_process_name:"FoxitReader.exe")