CVE-2023-32664 is a type confusion vulnerability categorized under CWE-843 found in Foxit Reader version 12.1.2.15332. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of Javascript within the checkThisBox method, which is used to manipulate PDF form checkboxes. An attacker can embed specially crafted Javascript code inside a malicious PDF document that, when opened by a user, triggers type confusion leading to memory corruption. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code remotely on the victim’s system. The attack vector requires no privileges and only user interaction in the form of opening a malicious PDF file. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no required privileges. While no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Foxit Reader in enterprise and personal environments. The lack of an official patch at the time of reporting necessitates immediate mitigation strategies. The vulnerability’s exploitation could allow attackers to gain full control over affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or disruption of services.

For European organizations, this vulnerability presents a critical risk especially in sectors relying heavily on PDF documents for communication and documentation, such as finance, healthcare, government, and legal industries. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of business operations, and potential lateral movement within networks. Given the high CVSS score and the possibility of remote code execution without authentication, attackers could deploy malware, ransomware, or conduct espionage activities. The impact is amplified in environments where Foxit Reader is a default or widely used PDF reader. Additionally, organizations with less mature patch management or user awareness programs are more vulnerable. The threat also extends to critical infrastructure and public sector entities in Europe, where compromise could have broader societal implications.

1. Immediately monitor Foxit’s official channels for patches addressing CVE-2023-32664 and apply updates as soon as they become available. 2. Temporarily disable or restrict Javascript execution within Foxit Reader settings to reduce attack surface. 3. Implement application whitelisting and sandboxing for PDF readers to contain potential exploitation. 4. Employ network-level protections such as email filtering and sandboxing to detect and block malicious PDFs before reaching end users. 5. Conduct user awareness training emphasizing the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious PDF attachments. 6. Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Review and enforce strict access controls and least privilege principles to limit damage in case of compromise. 8. Consider alternative PDF readers with robust security postures if patching is delayed. 9. Regularly audit and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving PDF-based exploits.