CVE-2024-30353
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious PDF files. The flaw exists in how AcroForms handle Doc objects, enabling out-of-bounds reads that can lead to remote code execution. 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.
Likely Case
Malicious code execution in the context of the PDF Reader process, allowing file system access, credential harvesting, and further malware installation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper sandboxing and application hardening, potentially containing the exploit to the PDF Reader process only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but is straightforward once malicious PDF is opened. ZDI has confirmed the vulnerability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2024.1 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 install version 2024.1 or later
4. Restart the application
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Foxit
allPrevents JavaScript-based exploitation vectors
Open Foxit > File > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allOpens PDFs in sandboxed mode
Open Foxit > File > Preferences > General > Check 'Enable Safe Reading Mode'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Use alternative PDF readers temporarily
- Block PDF downloads from untrusted sources via web proxy
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit version in Help > About. If version is below 2024.1, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic product where name="Foxit PDF Reader" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 2024.1 or higher in Help > About.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple crash reports from FoxitReader.exe
- Unusual process spawning from Foxit PDF Reader
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PDF files from suspicious sources
- Outbound connections from Foxit process to unknown IPs
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND (event_id:1000 OR event_id:1001) | stats count by host