CVE-2022-28679
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-28679 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. Users who open malicious PDF files or visit malicious web pages with the vulnerable software are affected. The vulnerability exists in Annotation object handling where the software fails to validate object existence before operations.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit PDF Reader
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise through arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Malicious PDF files delivered via email or web downloads lead to code execution, enabling attackers to steal credentials, install malware, or establish persistence.
If Mitigated
With proper controls like application whitelisting and least privilege, impact is limited to the user context without administrative privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
User interaction required (opening malicious file). ZDI-CAN-16861 indicates professional vulnerability research. No public exploit code known.
🛠️ 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. Download latest version from Foxit website. 2. Run installer. 3. Restart system. 4. Verify version is 11.2.2 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit Reader
windowsPrevents JavaScript-based exploitation vectors
Open Foxit Reader > File > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
windowsOpens PDFs in sandboxed environment
Open Foxit Reader > File > Preferences > Trust Manager > Check 'Enable Safe Reading Mode'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application control/whitelisting to block Foxit Reader execution
- Use alternative PDF readers that are not vulnerable
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit Reader version: Open Foxit Reader > Help > About Foxit Reader. If version is 11.2.1.53537 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wmic product where name="Foxit Reader" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 11.2.2 or higher in About Foxit Reader dialog.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Process creation events for Foxit Reader with suspicious command-line arguments
- Crash logs from Foxit Reader process
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PDF files from suspicious sources
- Outbound connections from Foxit Reader process
SIEM Query:
source="*" (process_name="FoxitReader.exe" AND (cmdline="*http*" OR cmdline="*malicious*"))