CVE-2020-8855: Foxit PhantomPDF fxhtml2pdf Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Feb 13, 2020
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PhantomPDF 9.7.0.2947. 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 fxhtml2pdf.exe module. 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-9560.

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 9.7.0.2947 (fxhtml2pdf.exe) to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 9.7.0.2947Patch ZDI-CAN-9560
  2. Compensating control

    Because user interaction is required (target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file), mitigate by preventing/limiting access to untrusted web content and disabling opening of untrusted documents in the Foxit PhantomPDF environment.

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
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the vulnerability ID for this vulnerability?

The vulnerability ID for this vulnerability is CVE-2020-8855.

2

What software products are affected by this vulnerability?

The affected software products are Foxit PhantomPDF and Foxitsoftware Reader.

3

What is the severity of CVE-2020-8855?

The severity of CVE-2020-8855 is high (7.8).

4

How can this vulnerability be exploited?

This vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers through user interaction, such as visiting a malicious page or opening a malicious file.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2020-8855?

You can find more information about CVE-2020-8855 on the Foxit Software support website and the Zero Day Initiative advisories page.

6

What is the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) ID for this vulnerability?

The Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) ID for this vulnerability is CWE-416.

Contact

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