Foxit Reader: Improper Certificate Validation
CVE-2024-29072 is a high-severity improper certificate validation vulnerability in Foxit Reader from Foxit, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.2 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Foxit Reader versions: 2024.2.0.25138. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.46% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of Foxit Reader you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- 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 | Foxit Reader | 2024.2.0.25138 | Not stated |
| Foxit | PDF Editor | 11.2.9.53938 and earlier; 12.0.0 through 12.1.6.15509; 13.0.0 through 13.1.1.22432; 2023.1.0.15510 through 2023.3.0.23028; 2024.1.0.23997 through 2024.2.1.25153 | Not stated |
| Foxit | PDF Reader | 2024.2.1.25153 and earlier | 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
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (cisco.com).
Official description
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the Foxit Reader 2024.2.0.25138. The vulnerability occurs due to improper certification validation of the updater executable before executing it. A low privilege user can trigger the update action which can result in unexpected elevation of privilege.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Certificate Validation
The product does not validate, or incorrectly validates, a certificate.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Certificates should be carefully managed and checked to assure that data are encrypted with the intended owner's public key.
- If certificate pinning is being used, ensure that all relevant properties of the certificate are fully validated before the certificate is pinned, including the hostname.
More Improper Certificate Validation vulnerabilities (CWE-295)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2024-1989Exploit, Third Party Advisory
- talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2024-1989Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Foxit Reader
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Certificate Validation vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
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