CVE-2022-37391
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious PDF files or visiting malicious web pages. The flaw exists in how AcroForms handle objects without proper validation, enabling code execution in the current process context. Users of Foxit PDF Reader 11.2.2.53575 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit PDF Reader
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise through remote code execution, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Malicious actors deliver targeted attacks via phishing emails with malicious PDF attachments, compromising individual workstations and establishing footholds in networks.
If Mitigated
With proper security controls like application whitelisting, network segmentation, and user training, impact is limited to isolated incidents with minimal data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but is technically straightforward once malicious content is delivered. ZDI-CAN-17661 reference suggests detailed technical analysis exists.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 11.2.3 or 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 11.2.3 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit Reader
allPrevents JavaScript-based exploitation vectors 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 > Trust Manager > Check 'Enable Safe Reading Mode'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application control/whitelisting to block unauthorized PDF readers
- Deploy network segmentation to limit lateral movement from compromised endpoints
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit Reader version: Open Foxit Reader > Help > About Foxit Reader. If version is 11.2.2.53575 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic product where name="Foxit Reader" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 11.2.3 or higher using same About dialog. Test with known safe PDF files to ensure functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Foxit Reader process spawning unexpected child processes
- Unusual network connections from Foxit Reader process
- Crash logs from Foxit Reader with memory corruption indicators
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from Foxit Reader to suspicious domains
- PDF file downloads from untrusted sources followed by process execution
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND (process_child_name:("cmd.exe","powershell.exe","wscript.exe") OR network_destination_ip:(malicious_ips))