CVE-2024-25648 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 found in Foxit Reader version 2024.1.0.23997. The flaw arises from improper handling of a ComboBox widget within the application, where a previously freed object can be reused due to crafted JavaScript embedded in a malicious PDF document. This memory corruption vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user running Foxit Reader. The attack vector requires user interaction, either by opening a malicious PDF file or by visiting a malicious website if the Foxit Reader browser plugin is enabled, which can also trigger the vulnerability. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction necessary. Although no exploits are currently reported in the wild, 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 disclosure increases the urgency for mitigation through configuration changes and user awareness. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data theft, or disruption of services.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-25648 is substantial. Foxit Reader is widely used across various sectors including government, finance, healthcare, and education, where PDF documents are a common medium for communication and data exchange. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive information, deploy ransomware, or establish persistent footholds within networks. The requirement for user interaction means phishing campaigns or malicious websites could be leveraged to trigger the vulnerability, increasing the attack surface. Organizations relying on Foxit Reader browser plugins face additional risk vectors. The potential disruption to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical systems could have cascading effects on business operations and regulatory compliance, especially under GDPR mandates. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high CVSS score underscores the urgency of addressing this vulnerability.

1. Immediately disable JavaScript execution within Foxit Reader to prevent malicious script execution embedded in PDFs. 2. Disable or uninstall the Foxit Reader browser plugin to eliminate the attack vector via malicious websites. 3. Educate users to avoid opening PDF attachments or links from untrusted or unexpected sources. 4. Monitor network traffic and endpoint behavior for signs of exploitation attempts, focusing on anomalous PDF processing or unexpected process launches. 5. Implement application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block exploitation attempts. 6. Once available, apply official patches from Foxit promptly and verify update integrity. 7. Employ sandboxing or isolated environments for opening untrusted PDF files to contain potential exploitation. 8. Review and tighten email gateway filtering rules to detect and quarantine suspicious PDF attachments. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans to mitigate potential ransomware or data loss scenarios resulting from exploitation.