CVE-2024-30353: CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read in Foxit PDF Reader
Foxit PDF Reader AcroForm Out-Of-Bounds Read Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. 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 Doc objects in AcroForms. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-22807.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-30353 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability classified under CWE-125, discovered in Foxit PDF Reader version 2023.3.0.23028. The vulnerability is located in the handling of Doc objects within AcroForms, a component used for interactive PDF forms. The root cause is the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which allows an attacker to read memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code remotely. The attack vector requires user interaction, such as opening a crafted malicious PDF file or visiting a malicious web page that triggers the vulnerability. The flaw allows code execution with the privileges of the current user running Foxit PDF Reader, potentially leading to full system compromise if the user has elevated rights. The CVSS v3.0 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Foxit PDF Reader in enterprise and consumer environments. The vulnerability was reported by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-22807 and published on April 2, 2024. No official patches or updates have been linked yet, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2024-30353 is substantial for organizations worldwide using Foxit PDF Reader version 2023.3.0.23028. Successful exploitation enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in data theft, installation of malware or ransomware, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and disruption of business operations. Since Foxit PDF Reader is widely used in corporate, government, and personal environments for handling PDF documents, the attack surface is broad. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious PDF or visiting a malicious page) means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be effective attack vectors. The vulnerability threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems, making it a critical concern for organizations handling sensitive documents or operating in regulated industries. Additionally, the lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense before widespread exploitation occurs.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediately update Foxit PDF Reader to a patched version once available from the vendor. Monitor Foxit's official channels for security updates addressing CVE-2024-30353. 2. Until a patch is released, implement application whitelisting to restrict execution of untrusted PDF files or use alternative PDF readers with no known vulnerabilities. 3. Employ network-level protections such as blocking access to known malicious URLs and scanning email attachments for malicious PDFs. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious PDF files and visiting untrusted websites to reduce the likelihood of user interaction exploitation. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behavior related to Foxit PDF Reader processes. 6. Consider sandboxing PDF reader applications to limit the impact of potential exploits. 7. Regularly back up critical data and ensure recovery procedures are tested to mitigate ransomware or destructive payloads delivered via this vulnerability.
Affected Countries
United States, China, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, India, Canada, Australia
CVE-2024-30353: CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read in Foxit PDF Reader
Description
Foxit PDF Reader AcroForm Out-Of-Bounds Read Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. 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 Doc objects in AcroForms. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-22807.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-30353 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability classified under CWE-125, discovered in Foxit PDF Reader version 2023.3.0.23028. The vulnerability is located in the handling of Doc objects within AcroForms, a component used for interactive PDF forms. The root cause is the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which allows an attacker to read memory beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code remotely. The attack vector requires user interaction, such as opening a crafted malicious PDF file or visiting a malicious web page that triggers the vulnerability. The flaw allows code execution with the privileges of the current user running Foxit PDF Reader, potentially leading to full system compromise if the user has elevated rights. The CVSS v3.0 base score is 7.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with low attack complexity and no privileges required. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Foxit PDF Reader in enterprise and consumer environments. The vulnerability was reported by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-22807 and published on April 2, 2024. No official patches or updates have been linked yet, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation steps.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2024-30353 is substantial for organizations worldwide using Foxit PDF Reader version 2023.3.0.23028. Successful exploitation enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can result in data theft, installation of malware or ransomware, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and disruption of business operations. Since Foxit PDF Reader is widely used in corporate, government, and personal environments for handling PDF documents, the attack surface is broad. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious PDF or visiting a malicious page) means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be effective attack vectors. The vulnerability threatens confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems, making it a critical concern for organizations handling sensitive documents or operating in regulated industries. Additionally, the lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense before widespread exploitation occurs.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediately update Foxit PDF Reader to a patched version once available from the vendor. Monitor Foxit's official channels for security updates addressing CVE-2024-30353. 2. Until a patch is released, implement application whitelisting to restrict execution of untrusted PDF files or use alternative PDF readers with no known vulnerabilities. 3. Employ network-level protections such as blocking access to known malicious URLs and scanning email attachments for malicious PDFs. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious PDF files and visiting untrusted websites to reduce the likelihood of user interaction exploitation. 5. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for anomalous behavior related to Foxit PDF Reader processes. 6. Consider sandboxing PDF reader applications to limit the impact of potential exploits. 7. Regularly back up critical data and ensure recovery procedures are tested to mitigate ransomware or destructive payloads delivered via this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- zdi
- Date Reserved
- 2024-03-26T18:52:36.414Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 699f6dbfb7ef31ef0b58da4f
Added to database: 2/25/2026, 9:46:39 PM
Last enriched: 2/26/2026, 12:08:08 PM
Last updated: 4/11/2026, 2:37:28 PM
Views: 12
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