CVE-2021-40420 Use after free in Foxit
A use-after-free in Foxit PDF Reader allows arbitrary code execution via malicious PDFs or websites, requiring user interaction.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2021-40420?
CVE-2021-40420 is a high-severity use after free vulnerability in Foxit Pdf Reader, published on 4 Feb 2022. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the JavaScript engine of Foxit Software’s PDF Reader, version 11.1.0.52543. A specially-crafted PDF document can trigger the reuse of previously freed memory, which can lead to arbitrary code execution. An attacker needs to trick the user to open the malicious file to trigger this vulnerability. Exploitation is also possible if a user visits a specially-crafted, malicious site if the browser plugin extension is enabled.
Weakness: CWE-416
Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-40420?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Foxit Pdf Reader.
How do I fix CVE-2021-40420?
No fix has been published for CVE-2021-40420 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade to the fixed version. These bugs are found with fuzzing and sanitisers and avoided by memory-safe languages. More about Use after free.
Is CVE-2021-40420 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2021-40420 exists.
Other vulnerabilities in Foxit Pdf Reader
Sources
Also known as GHSA-fp63-vpqm-jj5g.