CVE-2024-41605
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to replace legitimate Foxit PDF update files with malicious executables via side-loading attacks, enabling arbitrary code execution on affected systems. It affects Foxit PDF Reader and PDF Editor users running vulnerable versions, primarily those with automatic updates enabled.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit PDF Reader
- Foxit PDF Editor
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with attacker gaining administrative privileges, data exfiltration, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Malware installation leading to credential theft, data loss, or system instability requiring remediation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and endpoint protection blocking malicious payloads.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access or ability to manipulate update files in transit. Side-loading attacks are well-documented and relatively easy to execute.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Foxit PDF Reader 2024.3; Foxit PDF Editor 2024.3 or 13.1.4
Vendor Advisory: https://www.foxit.com/support/security-bulletins.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest version from official Foxit website. 2. Run installer with administrative privileges. 3. Restart system after installation completes. 4. Verify update integrity through application settings.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Automatic Updates
allPrevent automatic update downloads that could be intercepted and replaced.
In Foxit: File > Preferences > Update > Uncheck 'Automatically check for updates'
Network Segmentation for Update Traffic
allRestrict and monitor network traffic to Foxit update servers.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized executables from running
- Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious update-related activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit version in Help > About. If version is below 2024.3 for Reader, or below 2024.3/13.1.4 for Editor, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic product where name like "Foxit%" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 2024.3 or higher for Reader, or 2024.3/13.1.4 or higher for Editor. Verify update integrity validation is functioning.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected Foxit update processes
- Suspicious file writes to Foxit installation directories
- Failed integrity checks in application logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Foxit processes
- Downloads from non-Foxit update servers
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FoxitUpdater.exe" AND (network_destination_ip NOT IN [foxit_update_servers])