CVE-2024-30355: CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write in Foxit PDF Reader
Foxit PDF Reader AcroForm Out-Of-Bounds Write 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 write 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-22809.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-30355 is a remote code execution vulnerability classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) affecting Foxit PDF Reader version 2023.3.0.23028. The flaw exists in the processing of Doc objects within AcroForms, a feature used for interactive PDF forms. The vulnerability is caused by insufficient validation of user-supplied data, which leads to a write operation beyond the allocated buffer boundary. This memory corruption can be exploited by an attacker who convinces a user to open a specially crafted malicious PDF file or visit a malicious web page containing such a file. Upon exploitation, arbitrary code can be executed with the privileges of the Foxit PDF Reader process, potentially allowing full system compromise depending on the user's privileges. The vulnerability requires user interaction but no prior authentication or elevated privileges, making it accessible to remote attackers through social engineering or phishing. The CVSS v3.0 score of 7.8 reflects high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, with low attack complexity and no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability was reserved and published by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) under ZDI-CAN-22809, indicating credible discovery and validation. This vulnerability highlights risks associated with complex PDF features and the need for robust input validation in document processing software.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2024-30355 is significant for organizations worldwide that use Foxit PDF Reader, especially version 2023.3.0.23028. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, installation of malware, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within networks. Since Foxit PDF Reader is widely used in enterprise, government, and individual environments for handling PDF documents, the vulnerability poses a broad risk. The requirement for user interaction means phishing and social engineering remain primary attack vectors. The high confidentiality impact could result in exposure of sensitive documents, while integrity and availability impacts could disrupt business operations. Organizations relying on PDF workflows for contracts, legal documents, or sensitive communications are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as attackers often develop exploits rapidly after disclosure. Without timely patching or mitigation, this vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value entities or in widespread campaigns exploiting user trust in PDF files.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Monitor Foxit Software advisories and apply official patches immediately once released for version 2023.3.0.23028 or affected versions. 2. Until patches are available, restrict or disable the use of Foxit PDF Reader for opening untrusted or unsolicited PDF files, especially those containing AcroForms. 3. Employ email filtering and attachment sandboxing to detect and block malicious PDFs before reaching end users. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening PDFs from unknown or suspicious sources and encourage verification before interaction. 5. Use application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous behavior or code execution originating from Foxit PDF Reader processes. 6. Consider deploying PDF readers with stronger sandboxing or less complex feature sets for high-risk environments. 7. Implement network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the impact of potential compromises. 8. Enable logging and monitoring for unusual activity related to PDF reader processes to facilitate early detection of exploitation attempts.
Affected Countries
United States, China, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, India, Canada, Australia
CVE-2024-30355: CWE-787: Out-of-bounds Write in Foxit PDF Reader
Description
Foxit PDF Reader AcroForm Out-Of-Bounds Write 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 write 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-22809.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-30355 is a remote code execution vulnerability classified under CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) affecting Foxit PDF Reader version 2023.3.0.23028. The flaw exists in the processing of Doc objects within AcroForms, a feature used for interactive PDF forms. The vulnerability is caused by insufficient validation of user-supplied data, which leads to a write operation beyond the allocated buffer boundary. This memory corruption can be exploited by an attacker who convinces a user to open a specially crafted malicious PDF file or visit a malicious web page containing such a file. Upon exploitation, arbitrary code can be executed with the privileges of the Foxit PDF Reader process, potentially allowing full system compromise depending on the user's privileges. The vulnerability requires user interaction but no prior authentication or elevated privileges, making it accessible to remote attackers through social engineering or phishing. The CVSS v3.0 score of 7.8 reflects high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, with low attack complexity and no privileges required, but user interaction is necessary. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability was reserved and published by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) under ZDI-CAN-22809, indicating credible discovery and validation. This vulnerability highlights risks associated with complex PDF features and the need for robust input validation in document processing software.
Potential Impact
The impact of CVE-2024-30355 is significant for organizations worldwide that use Foxit PDF Reader, especially version 2023.3.0.23028. Successful exploitation allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, installation of malware, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within networks. Since Foxit PDF Reader is widely used in enterprise, government, and individual environments for handling PDF documents, the vulnerability poses a broad risk. The requirement for user interaction means phishing and social engineering remain primary attack vectors. The high confidentiality impact could result in exposure of sensitive documents, while integrity and availability impacts could disrupt business operations. Organizations relying on PDF workflows for contracts, legal documents, or sensitive communications are particularly vulnerable. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as attackers often develop exploits rapidly after disclosure. Without timely patching or mitigation, this vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value entities or in widespread campaigns exploiting user trust in PDF files.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Monitor Foxit Software advisories and apply official patches immediately once released for version 2023.3.0.23028 or affected versions. 2. Until patches are available, restrict or disable the use of Foxit PDF Reader for opening untrusted or unsolicited PDF files, especially those containing AcroForms. 3. Employ email filtering and attachment sandboxing to detect and block malicious PDFs before reaching end users. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening PDFs from unknown or suspicious sources and encourage verification before interaction. 5. Use application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous behavior or code execution originating from Foxit PDF Reader processes. 6. Consider deploying PDF readers with stronger sandboxing or less complex feature sets for high-risk environments. 7. Implement network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit the impact of potential compromises. 8. Enable logging and monitoring for unusual activity related to PDF reader processes to facilitate early detection of exploitation attempts.
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: 699f6dbfb7ef31ef0b58da57
Added to database: 2/25/2026, 9:46:39 PM
Last enriched: 2/26/2026, 12:08:36 PM
Last updated: 4/11/2026, 10:12:14 PM
Views: 10
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