CVE-2022-28671
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit it by tricking users into opening malicious PDF files or visiting malicious web pages. Users of Foxit PDF Reader 11.2.1.53537 are affected.
💻 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 arbitrary code execution within the user context, enabling data exfiltration, malware installation, or persistence mechanisms.
If Mitigated
Application crash or denial of service if exploit fails, with potential for limited data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but no authentication. ZDI-CAN-16639 suggests active research/exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 11.2.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.foxit.com/support/security-bulletins.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest version from Foxit website. 2. Run installer. 3. Restart system. 4. Verify update in Help > About.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit Reader
allPrevents JavaScript-based exploitation vectors
File > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allOpens files in sandboxed mode
File > Preferences > Trust Manager > Check 'Enable Safe Reading Mode'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Temporarily switch to alternative PDF readers like Adobe Reader or browser-based viewers
- Implement application whitelisting to block Foxit Reader execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit Reader version in Help > About. If version is 11.2.1.53537 or earlier, 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. Test with known safe PDF files to ensure functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes of FoxitReader.exe
- Unusual child processes spawned from Foxit Reader
- Memory access violation errors in application logs
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from Foxit Reader process
- Downloads of PDF files from suspicious sources
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND (event_id:1000 OR event_id:1001) OR parent_process:"FoxitReader.exe" AND process_creation