CVE-2024-30359: CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read in Foxit PDF Reader
Foxit PDF Reader AcroForm 3D 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 3D 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 object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-22888.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-30359 is a remote code execution vulnerability identified in Foxit PDF Reader version 2023.3.0.23028, specifically within the AcroForm 3D object handling component. The root cause is an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125) due to insufficient validation of user-supplied data when processing 3D objects embedded in PDF forms. This flaw allows an attacker to read memory beyond the allocated buffer, which can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code in the context of the Foxit PDF Reader process. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a crafted malicious PDF file or visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the vulnerability. The vulnerability was reported by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-22888 and published on April 2, 2024. The CVSS v3.0 base score of 7.8 indicates a high severity level, with attack vector local (requiring user interaction), low attack complexity, no privileges required, and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patches are currently linked in the provided data, and no known exploits have been observed in the wild, but the potential for remote code execution makes this a critical concern for affected users.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to full compromise of the user's environment under the context of the Foxit PDF Reader process. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, data corruption, or disruption of service. Since Foxit PDF Reader is widely used in enterprise and government environments for PDF document handling, exploitation could facilitate targeted attacks such as espionage, data theft, or deployment of malware. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious file or visiting a malicious page) means social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to deliver the exploit. Organizations that rely on Foxit PDF Reader for document workflows are at risk of operational disruption and data breaches if this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediately update Foxit PDF Reader to the latest version once a patch addressing CVE-2024-30359 is released by the vendor. 2. Until a patch is available, disable or restrict the use of 3D content and AcroForms in PDF files within Foxit PDF Reader settings to reduce the attack surface. 3. Implement strict email and web gateway filtering to block or quarantine suspicious PDF files, especially those containing embedded 3D objects or forms. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected PDF attachments and visiting untrusted websites. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Consider sandboxing PDF reader applications or running them in isolated environments to limit potential damage from exploitation. 7. Monitor threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploits or indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability.
Affected Countries
United States, China, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, India, Canada, Australia
CVE-2024-30359: CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read in Foxit PDF Reader
Description
Foxit PDF Reader AcroForm 3D 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 3D 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 object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-22888.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-30359 is a remote code execution vulnerability identified in Foxit PDF Reader version 2023.3.0.23028, specifically within the AcroForm 3D object handling component. The root cause is an out-of-bounds read (CWE-125) due to insufficient validation of user-supplied data when processing 3D objects embedded in PDF forms. This flaw allows an attacker to read memory beyond the allocated buffer, which can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code in the context of the Foxit PDF Reader process. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a crafted malicious PDF file or visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the vulnerability. The vulnerability was reported by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-22888 and published on April 2, 2024. The CVSS v3.0 base score of 7.8 indicates a high severity level, with attack vector local (requiring user interaction), low attack complexity, no privileges required, and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patches are currently linked in the provided data, and no known exploits have been observed in the wild, but the potential for remote code execution makes this a critical concern for affected users.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to full compromise of the user's environment under the context of the Foxit PDF Reader process. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, data corruption, or disruption of service. Since Foxit PDF Reader is widely used in enterprise and government environments for PDF document handling, exploitation could facilitate targeted attacks such as espionage, data theft, or deployment of malware. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious file or visiting a malicious page) means social engineering or phishing campaigns could be used to deliver the exploit. Organizations that rely on Foxit PDF Reader for document workflows are at risk of operational disruption and data breaches if this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation Recommendations
1. Immediately update Foxit PDF Reader to the latest version once a patch addressing CVE-2024-30359 is released by the vendor. 2. Until a patch is available, disable or restrict the use of 3D content and AcroForms in PDF files within Foxit PDF Reader settings to reduce the attack surface. 3. Implement strict email and web gateway filtering to block or quarantine suspicious PDF files, especially those containing embedded 3D objects or forms. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or unexpected PDF attachments and visiting untrusted websites. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Consider sandboxing PDF reader applications or running them in isolated environments to limit potential damage from exploitation. 7. Monitor threat intelligence sources for any emerging exploits or indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- zdi
- Date Reserved
- 2024-03-26T18:52:36.415Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 699f6dbfb7ef31ef0b58dab9
Added to database: 2/25/2026, 9:46:39 PM
Last enriched: 2/26/2026, 2:57:20 PM
Last updated: 4/12/2026, 3:53:35 PM
Views: 12
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