Foxit PDF Editor: Release of Invalid Pointer or Reference
CVE-2026-57248 is a high-severity release of invalid pointer or reference vulnerability in Foxit PDF Editor from Foxit, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Foxit PDF Editor versions: Versions 2026.1.1 and earlier; Versions 14.0.4 and earlier; Versions 13.2.4 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.17% 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 PDF Editor 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.
- 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 Software | Foxit PDF Editor | Versions 2026.1.1 and earlier; Versions 14.0.4 and earlier; Versions 13.2.4 and earlier | Not stated |
| Foxit Software | Foxit PDF Reader | Versions 2026.1.1 and earlier | Not stated |
| Foxit | PDF Editor | 13.2.4.24048 and earlier; 14.0.0.33046 through 14.0.4.33508; 2023.1.0.15510 through 2023.3.0.23028; 2024.1.0.23997 through 2024.4.1.27687; 2025.1.0.27937 through 2025.3.0.35737; 2026.1.0.36452 through 2026.1.1.36485 | Not stated |
| Foxit | PDF Reader | 2026.1.1.36485 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
- 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:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA.
Official description
When the application opens a PDF file and JavaScript writes annotation attributes, there is a lack of sufficient object type and argument checks. As a result, due to the damage to the internal structure of the annotations, it causes the application to crash during subsequent release.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Release of Invalid Pointer or Reference
The product attempts to return a memory resource to the system, but it calls the wrong release function or calls the appropriate release function incorrectly.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Only call matching memory management functions. Do not mix and match routines. For example, when you allocate a buffer with malloc(), dispose of the original pointer with free().
- When programming in C++, consider using smart pointers provided by the boost library to help correctly and consistently manage memory.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. For example, glibc in Linux provides protection against free of invalid pointers.
More Release of Invalid Pointer or Reference vulnerabilities (CWE-763)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in Foxit PDF Editor
- 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 Release of Invalid Pointer or Reference vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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