PDF Reader: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2022-24971 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in PDF Reader from Foxit, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected PDF Reader versions: 11.1.0.52543. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.7% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 86% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of PDF Reader you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on foxit.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foxit | PDF Reader | 11.1.0.52543 | Not stated |
| Foxit | PDF Editor | 10.1.6.37749 and earlier; 11.0.0.49893 through 11.2.0.53415 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.0 | 7.8 | High | CNA (trendmicro.com) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 6.8 | Medium | NVD |
Official description
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PDF Reader 11.1.0.52543. 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 JPEG2000 images. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated structure. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-15812.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read
The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-319/Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in PDF Reader
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
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