CVE-2024-25648
📋 TL;DR
A use-after-free vulnerability in Foxit Reader's ComboBox widget handling allows arbitrary code execution when users open malicious PDF files or visit malicious websites with the browser plugin enabled. This affects users running vulnerable versions of Foxit Reader, particularly those who open untrusted PDF documents or browse untrusted websites with the plugin active.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit Reader
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with attacker gaining complete control of the affected system, enabling data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Malware installation leading to data exfiltration, credential theft, or system disruption through typical phishing campaigns targeting PDF documents.
If Mitigated
No impact if users avoid opening untrusted PDFs, disable the browser plugin, or apply the security patch.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening malicious PDF or visiting malicious site) but no authentication; JavaScript execution in PDF context is required.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2024.2 or later (check Foxit advisory for exact version)
Vendor Advisory: https://www.foxit.com/support/security-bulletins.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Foxit Reader
2. Go to Help > Check for Updates
3. Follow prompts to download and install latest version
4. Restart Foxit Reader after installation
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit Reader
allPrevents malicious JavaScript from executing in PDF files
Open Foxit Reader > File > Preferences > Trust Manager > uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Disable Browser Plugin
allPrevents web-based exploitation through malicious sites
Browser settings > Extensions/Add-ons > disable Foxit Reader plugin
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Use alternative PDF readers for untrusted documents
- Implement application whitelisting to block Foxit Reader execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit Reader version in Help > About; if version is 2024.1.0.23997 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic product where name="Foxit Reader" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 2024.2 or later after update; test with known safe PDF containing JavaScript.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Foxit Reader crash logs with memory access violations
- Unexpected JavaScript execution in PDF files
- Process creation from Foxit Reader with suspicious parameters
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from Foxit Reader process to unknown IPs
- DNS requests for suspicious domains following PDF opening
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND (event_id:1000 OR event_id:1001) OR process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND parent_process:"explorer.exe" AND cmdline:"*.pdf"