CVE-2021-31459: Foxit Reader XFA Form Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published May 7, 2021
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit Reader 10.1.1.37576. 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 XFA Forms. 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-13162.

Other sources

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit Reader. 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 XFA Forms. 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.

Affected Software

5 affected components
Foxit Reader
Foxitsoftware Phantompdf<=9.7.5.29616
Foxitsoftware Phantompdf>=10.0.0.0<=10.1.3.37598
Foxitsoftware Reader<=10.1.3.37598
Microsoft Windows

Event History

May 7, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·08:16 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·08:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Feb 22, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·04:31 AM
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the vulnerability ID for this Foxit Reader vulnerability?

The vulnerability ID for this Foxit Reader vulnerability is CVE-2021-31459.

2

What is the severity of CVE-2021-31459?

The severity of CVE-2021-31459 is high with a severity value of 7.8.

3

How can remote attackers exploit CVE-2021-31459?

Remote attackers can exploit CVE-2021-31459 by executing arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit Reader 10.1.1.37576 through user interaction, such as visiting a malicious page or opening a malicious file.

4

Which software versions are affected by CVE-2021-31459?

Foxitsoftware Phantompdf versions 9.7.5.29616 to 10.1.3.37598 and Foxit Reader version 10.1.3.37598 are affected by CVE-2021-31459.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2021-31459?

You can find more information about CVE-2021-31459 in the security bulletins from Foxit Software and the advisory from Zero Day Initiative.

Contact

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