CVE-2024-9246
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader allows attackers to read memory beyond allocated buffers when processing malicious PDF files with specially crafted annotations. It can disclose sensitive information and potentially lead to arbitrary code execution when combined with other vulnerabilities. All users running affected versions of Foxit PDF Reader are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit PDF Reader
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers combine this information disclosure with other vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution, potentially compromising the entire system.
Likely Case
Attackers use this vulnerability to read sensitive memory contents, potentially exposing credentials, encryption keys, or other confidential data.
If Mitigated
With proper controls, the impact is limited to information disclosure without code execution, though sensitive data may still be exposed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires user interaction (opening malicious file). Information disclosure alone, but can be chained with other vulnerabilities for code execution.
🛠️ 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. Follow prompts to install latest version
4. Restart application
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in PDF Reader
allPrevents JavaScript-based exploitation vectors
In Foxit Reader: File > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable JavaScript'
Use Protected View
windowsOpen untrusted PDFs in sandboxed protected view
In Foxit Reader: File > Preferences > Trust Manager > Enable 'Safe Reading Mode'
🧯 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 Reader version against patched versions in security bulletinCheck Version:
In Foxit Reader: Help > About Foxit ReaderVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is newer than vulnerable versions listed in advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes with memory access violations
- Unusual PDF file processing errors
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PDF files from suspicious sources
- Multiple PDF processing attempts from single source
SIEM Query:
source="foxit_reader" AND (event_type="crash" OR error="memory")