CVE-2022-37381
📋 TL;DR
This is a use-after-free vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader's AFSpecial_KeystrokeEx method 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. All users running vulnerable versions of Foxit PDF Reader 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 within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to malware installation, data exfiltration, or persistence mechanisms being established on the compromised system.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with application crash or denial of service if exploit attempts are blocked by security controls.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but is straightforward once malicious content is delivered. The vulnerability was discovered by Zero Day Initiative (ZDI-CAN-17110).
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 12.0.1 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.foxit.com/support/security-bulletins.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Foxit PDF Reader 12.0.1 or later from official Foxit website. 2. Run the installer. 3. Follow installation prompts. 4. Restart system if prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit Reader
windowsPrevents exploitation by disabling JavaScript execution which is often used in PDF-based attacks
Open Foxit Reader > File > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
windowsOpen PDFs in protected/sandboxed mode to limit potential damage
Open Foxit Reader > File > Preferences > Trust Manager > Check 'Enable Safe Reading Mode'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Block PDF files from untrusted sources at network perimeter
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized code execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit Reader version: Open Foxit Reader > Help > About Foxit Reader. If version is below 12.0.1, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wmic product where name="Foxit Reader" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 12.0.1 or higher in Help > About Foxit Reader. Test with known safe PDF files to ensure functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes in Foxit Reader logs
- Unusual process creation from Foxit Reader
- Memory access violation errors
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PDF files from suspicious sources
- Outbound connections from Foxit Reader process
SIEM Query:
Process Creation where Image contains "foxit" and CommandLine contains ".pdf"