CVE-2020-8856: Foxit PhantomPDF AcroForm addWatermarkFromText 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 9.6.0.25608. 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 watermarks. 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-9640.

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

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 severity of CVE-2020-8856?

The severity of CVE-2020-8856 is high.

2

How does CVE-2020-8856 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code?

CVE-2020-8856 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting a use-after-free vulnerability in Foxit PhantomPDF.

3

Which versions of Foxit PhantomPDF are affected by CVE-2020-8856?

Foxit PhantomPDF versions up to and including 9.7.0.29455 are affected by CVE-2020-8856.

4

Is Microsoft Windows vulnerable to CVE-2020-8856?

No, Microsoft Windows is not vulnerable to CVE-2020-8856.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2020-8856?

More information about CVE-2020-8856 can be found in the Foxit Software security bulletins and the Zero Day Initiative advisory.

Contact

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