CVE-2021-34957: Foxit PDF Editor Highlight Annotation Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Published May 7, 2024
·
Updated

Foxit PDF Editor Highlight Annotation Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PDF Editor. 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-14358.

Affected Software

6 affected components
Foxit PDF Editor
All of the following
Any of the following
Foxit PDF Editor<=10.1.5.37672
Foxit PDF Editor=11.0.0.49893
Foxit PDF Editor=11.0.1.49938
Foxit PDF Reader<=11.0.1.49938
Microsoft Windows

Event History

May 7, 2024
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:54 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:54 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·11:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Mar 25, 2025
Advisory Published
via ZDI·06:59 AM
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 the severity of CVE-2021-34957?

CVE-2021-34957 is classified as a critical vulnerability that allows remote code execution on affected Foxit PDF Editor installations.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-34957?

To fix CVE-2021-34957, users should update to the latest version of Foxit PDF Editor provided by the vendor.

3

What causes CVE-2021-34957?

CVE-2021-34957 is caused by a use-after-free vulnerability in the highlight annotation feature of Foxit PDF Editor.

4

What are the potential impacts of CVE-2021-34957?

The potential impacts of CVE-2021-34957 include arbitrary code execution and total compromise of the affected systems.

5

Is user interaction required to exploit CVE-2021-34957?

Yes, user interaction is required to exploit CVE-2021-34957, as the attacker needs the victim to open a malicious PDF file.

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
CVE-2021-34957 - Foxit PDF Editor Highlight Annotation Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - SecAlerts