CVE-2022-37379
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information by exploiting improper object validation in the AFSpecial_KeystrokeEx method. Users who open malicious PDF files or visit malicious web pages are affected. Attackers can combine this with other vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit PDF Reader
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and lateral movement within networks.
Likely Case
Information disclosure and potential privilege escalation when combined with other vulnerabilities.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper application sandboxing and user privilege restrictions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction and combination with other vulnerabilities for full exploitation. ZDI-CAN-17168 reference indicates professional research.
🛠️ 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 by disabling JavaScript execution in PDF files
Open Foxit Reader > File > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
windowsOpen untrusted PDFs in protected/sandboxed mode
File > Preferences > Trust Manager > Enable 'Safe Reading Mode'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict PDF file handling to alternative PDF readers without this vulnerability
- Implement application whitelisting to block execution of older Foxit Reader versions
🔍 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:
wmic product where name="Foxit Reader" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 11.2.2 or later in Help > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Foxit Reader process behavior
- Multiple crash reports from Foxit Reader
- Unexpected network connections from Foxit Reader process
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PDF files from untrusted sources
- HTTP requests to suspicious domains following PDF opening
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND (event_type:crash OR parent_process:explorer.exe AND cmdline:"*.pdf")