CVE-2021-41785 : What You Need to Know

Foxit PDF Reader and PhantomPDF Use-After-Free Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2021-41785

What is CVE-2021-41785?

Foxit PDF Reader before 11.1, PDF Editor before 11.1, and PhantomPDF before 10.1.6 are vulnerable, allowing attackers to trigger a use-after-free exploit, leading to arbitrary code execution due to mishandling of JavaScript.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41785

This vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41785

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader and PhantomPDF arises from the mishandling of JavaScript, enabling attackers to trigger a use-after-free condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

Foxit PDF Reader before version 11.1
Foxit PDF Editor before version 11.1
Foxit PhantomPDF before version 10.1.6

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious PDF file containing specially crafted JavaScript code, tricking a user into opening the file and executing the code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Foxit PDF Reader, PDF Editor, and PhantomPDF to the latest versions to patch the vulnerability.
Exercise caution when opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Implement network and endpoint security measures to detect and prevent exploit attempts.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to stay informed about security updates released by Foxit and promptly apply patches to mitigate the risk of exploitation.