CVE-2022-28682
📋 TL;DR
This is a remote code execution vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious PDF files or visiting malicious web pages. The vulnerability exists in how the software handles Doc objects in JavaScript, enabling attackers to read past allocated memory boundaries and gain code execution in the current process context.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit PDF Reader
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining full control of the affected system, data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Malware installation, credential theft, or data exfiltration from the compromised system, often as part of targeted attacks or phishing campaigns.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing, endpoint protection, and user awareness preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but is technically straightforward once the malicious file is opened. The vulnerability was discovered by Zero Day Initiative (ZDI-CAN-16778).
🛠️ 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 download and install version 11.2.2 or later. 4. Restart the application.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit Reader
allPrevents exploitation by disabling JavaScript execution in PDF files
Open Foxit Reader > File > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allOpens PDFs in sandboxed mode to limit potential damage
Open Foxit Reader > File > Preferences > General > Check 'Enable Safe Reading Mode'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Foxit Reader as default PDF handler and use alternative PDF 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, 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. Test opening known safe PDF files with JavaScript content.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Foxit Reader crash logs with memory access violations
- Unexpected child processes spawned from Foxit Reader
- Network connections initiated by Foxit Reader process
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from Foxit Reader to unknown IPs
- DNS requests for suspicious domains from PDF reader process
SIEM Query:
process_name='FoxitReader.exe' AND (event_id=1000 OR event_id=1001) AND description CONTAINS 'access violation'