CVE-2023-42090
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader allows attackers to read memory beyond allocated buffers when processing malicious PDF files containing XFA Doc objects. It can disclose sensitive information and potentially be combined with other vulnerabilities for code execution. Users of affected Foxit PDF Reader versions are at risk when opening untrusted PDF files.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit PDF Reader
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Information disclosure combined with other vulnerabilities could lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user, potentially resulting in full system compromise.
Likely Case
Sensitive information disclosure from process memory, which could include credentials, documents, or other data being processed by Foxit PDF Reader.
If Mitigated
Limited to information disclosure without code execution if proper sandboxing and memory protections are in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction to open malicious PDF. Information disclosure alone may require additional vulnerabilities for full exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Foxit security bulletins for specific patched versions
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. Install available updates
4. Restart the application
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit
allDisabling JavaScript may prevent exploitation of some PDF-based vulnerabilities
Open Foxit > File > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allEnable Protected View for untrusted documents
Open Foxit > File > Preferences > Trust Manager > Check 'Enable Protected View'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Use alternative PDF readers for untrusted documents
- Block PDF files from untrusted sources at network perimeter
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit version against security bulletins at foxit.com/support/security-bulletins.htmlCheck Version:
Open Foxit PDF Reader > Help > About Foxit ReaderVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Foxit version is updated to latest release and matches patched versions in security bulletins📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes of Foxit Reader
- Unusual memory access patterns in process monitoring
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PDF files from suspicious sources
- PDF files with unusual characteristics
SIEM Query:
Process:foxitreader.exe AND (EventID:1000 OR EventID:1001) OR FileType:pdf AND SourceIP:(suspicious_ips)