CVE-2022-28677
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-28677 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. Attackers can exploit this by tricking users into opening malicious PDF files or visiting malicious web pages. This affects users of Foxit PDF Reader version 11.2.1.53537.
💻 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.
Likely Case
Malicious code execution in the context of the current user, allowing file system access, credential theft, and installation of additional malware.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper sandboxing and application control preventing code execution, though application crashes may still occur.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening malicious file) but no authentication. The vulnerability was discovered by Zero Day Initiative (ZDI-CAN-16663).
🛠️ 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. Open Foxit PDF Reader
2. Go to Help > Check for Updates
3. Follow prompts to update to version 11.2.2 or later
4. Restart the application
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit Reader
windowsPrevents exploitation through malicious JavaScript in PDF files
1. Open Foxit Reader
2. Go to File > Preferences
3. Select JavaScript
4. Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use alternative PDF viewer
allTemporarily use a different PDF reader until patched
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to block execution of Foxit Reader
- Use network segmentation to limit access to systems with vulnerable software
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit Reader version: Open Foxit Reader > Help > About Foxit ReaderCheck Version:
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:
- Application crashes of Foxit Reader
- Unusual process creation from Foxit Reader
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PDF files from untrusted sources
- Network connections initiated by Foxit Reader to suspicious IPs
SIEM Query:
process_name='FoxitReader.exe' AND (event_id=1000 OR parent_process contains unusual patterns)