CVE-2025-9326
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious PRC files. The flaw exists in PRC file parsing where improper data validation enables out-of-bounds reads that can lead to remote code execution. All users of affected Foxit PDF Reader versions are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Foxit PDF Reader
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining full control of the victim's computer, enabling data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within networks.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to malware installation, credential theft, or persistence mechanisms being established on the compromised system.
If Mitigated
Application crash or denial of service if exploit attempts are blocked by security controls, though some data leakage may still occur.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction but is technically straightforward once malicious file is opened. ZDI has confirmed the vulnerability.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Foxit security bulletin for specific patched version
Vendor Advisory: https://www.foxit.com/support/security-bulletins.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit Foxit's security bulletins page
2. Download latest version of Foxit PDF Reader
3. Install update following vendor instructions
4. Restart system if prompted
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable PRC file handling
windowsRemove or modify file associations to prevent PRC files from opening in Foxit Reader
Windows: assoc .prc=
Windows: ftype PRCFile=
Use application control
allBlock execution of Foxit Reader via application whitelisting
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network segmentation to limit lateral movement from compromised systems
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for exploitation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Foxit Reader version against vendor's security bulletin for affected versionsCheck Version:
Windows: Open Foxit Reader > Help > About; macOS/Linux: Check application info or package managerVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version matches or exceeds patched version listed in Foxit advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Application crashes of Foxit Reader
- Unusual process creation from Foxit Reader
- Memory access violations in application logs
Network Indicators:
- Downloads of PRC files from untrusted sources
- Outbound connections from Foxit Reader process
SIEM Query:
process_name:"FoxitReader.exe" AND (event_id:1000 OR event_id:1001) OR file_extension:".prc"