CVE-2022-43639 Use after free in PDF Reader

High 7.8 Published 29 Mar 2023 Updated 12 Feb 2025

Remote attackers can execute arbitrary code by tricking users into opening malicious PDF files with embedded U3D content in Foxit PDF Reader.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: A user has to click or open something
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2022-43639?

CVE-2022-43639 is a high-severity use after free vulnerability in Foxit Pdf Editor, published on 29 Mar 2023. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PDF Reader 12.0.1.12430. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of U3D files. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-18628.

Weakness: CWE-416

Which versions are affected by CVE-2022-43639?

It affects 2 products.

Products include Foxit Pdf Editor, Foxit Pdf Reader.

How do I fix CVE-2022-43639?

No fix has been published for CVE-2022-43639 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-2022-43639 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2022-43639 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Foxit Pdf Editor vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-c2jq-8332-fm87.