CVE-2020-8846: Foxit PhantomPDF text Field Object Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Feb 13, 2020
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows remote atackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PhantomPDF 9.6.0.25114. 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 handling of text field objects. 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-9400.

Affected Software

7 affected components
Foxitsoftware Reader<=9.7.0.29478
Microsoft Windows
Foxitsoftware Phantompdf<=9.7.0.29455
All of the following
Foxitsoftware Reader<=9.7.0.29478
Microsoft Windows
All of the following
Foxitsoftware Phantompdf<=9.7.0.29455
Microsoft Windows

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade Foxit PhantomPDF to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 9.6.0.25114Patch ZDI-CAN-9400

Event History

Feb 13, 2020
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:20 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:20 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Feb 14, 2020
Data Sourced
via NVD·06:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Jun 29, 2026
Advisory Published
via ZDI·03:42 AM
Data Sourced
via ZDI·03:42 AM
DescriptionAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the CVE ID for this vulnerability?

The CVE ID for this vulnerability is CVE-2020-8846.

2

What is the title of this vulnerability?

The title of this vulnerability is Foxit PhantomPDF text Field Object Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.

3

What version of Foxit PhantomPDF is affected by this vulnerability?

This vulnerability affects Foxit PhantomPDF 9.6.0.25114 up to and including 9.7.0.29455.

4

Is user interaction required to exploit this vulnerability?

Yes, user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability. The target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

5

What is the severity rating of this vulnerability?

The severity rating of this vulnerability is high, with a score of 7.8.

6

How can I fix this vulnerability?

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update to the latest version of Foxit PhantomPDF.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203