CVE-2021-34850: Foxit PDF Reader Annotation Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published Aug 4, 2021
·
Updated

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PDF Reader 11.0.0.49893. 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 Annotation 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-14529.

Other sources

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PDF 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 Annotation 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.

Affected Software

5 affected components
Foxit PDF Reader
Foxit PDF Reader<=11.0.0.49893
Foxitsoftware Pdf Editor<=10.1.4.37651
Foxitsoftware Pdf Editor=11.0.0.49893
Microsoft Windows

Event History

Aug 4, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:16 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:16 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Jan 29, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·06:34 PM
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2021-34850?

CVE-2021-34850 is a vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations.

2

How does CVE-2021-34850 work?

CVE-2021-34850 exploits a use-after-free vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader, which can be triggered by visiting a malicious page or opening a malicious file.

3

What is the severity of CVE-2021-34850?

The severity of CVE-2021-34850 is rated as high, with a CVSS score of 7.8.

4

Which versions of Foxit PDF Reader are affected by CVE-2021-34850?

Foxit PDF Reader version 11.0.0.49893 is affected by CVE-2021-34850.

5

How can I fix CVE-2021-34850?

To fix CVE-2021-34850, it is recommended to update to the latest version of Foxit PDF Reader available, as provided by the vendor.

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