CVE-2022-28669
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious PDF files or visiting malicious web pages. The flaw exists in how Doc objects are handled without proper validation, enabling code execution in the current process context. 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 with attacker gaining the same privileges as the PDF Reader process, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Malware installation or data exfiltration from the compromised system, often as part of targeted attacks or phishing campaigns.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if application is sandboxed or runs with minimal privileges, though some data exposure may still occur.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but is technically straightforward once a malicious file is opened. The vulnerability was discovered by Zero Day Initiative (ZDI-CAN-16420).
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 11.2.2 and 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 version 11.2.2 or later. 4. Restart the application.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit Reader
allPrevents exploitation through malicious JavaScript in PDF files
File > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allOpens untrusted PDFs in restricted mode
File > Preferences > Trust Manager > Check 'Enable Safe Reading Mode'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Use alternative PDF readers that are not affected by this vulnerability
- Implement application whitelisting to block execution of Foxit Reader
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit Reader version in Help > About Foxit Reader. If version is 11.2.1.53537 or earlier, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic product where name="Foxit Reader" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 11.2.2 or later in Help > About Foxit Reader.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected process crashes of Foxit Reader
- Suspicious child processes spawned from Foxit Reader
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from Foxit Reader process to unknown IPs
- DNS requests for suspicious domains from Foxit process
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND (event_id:1 OR parent_process_name:"FoxitReader.exe")