CVE-2024-9253 is a security vulnerability classified under CWE-125 (Out-of-Bounds Read) affecting Foxit PDF Reader version 2024.2.2.25170. The vulnerability specifically targets the AcroForm component, which handles interactive form elements within PDF documents. The root cause is insufficient validation of user-supplied data, leading to a read operation beyond the bounds of an allocated buffer. This out-of-bounds read can result in the disclosure of sensitive information from memory, potentially leaking data that should remain confidential. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a maliciously crafted PDF or visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the vulnerability. Although the immediate impact is limited to information disclosure, attackers may chain this vulnerability with others to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the Foxit PDF Reader process. The vulnerability was identified and assigned by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-24492 and was published on November 22, 2024. The CVSS v3.0 base score is 3.3, reflecting low severity due to the need for user interaction, local attack vector, and limited confidentiality impact. No patches were linked at the time of disclosure, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. This vulnerability highlights the risks associated with processing untrusted PDF content, especially interactive forms, and underscores the importance of robust input validation in PDF rendering engines.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-9253 is information disclosure, which could allow attackers to access sensitive data residing in memory during PDF processing. While the vulnerability alone does not enable code execution, it can be leveraged in combination with other vulnerabilities to escalate attacks, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution and full system compromise. Organizations relying on Foxit PDF Reader, especially in environments where sensitive documents are handled, face risks of data leakage. The requirement for user interaction limits the scope somewhat, but phishing or social engineering attacks could effectively exploit this vulnerability. The low CVSS score indicates a limited immediate threat, but the potential for chaining increases the overall risk. This vulnerability may affect sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and legal industries where PDF forms are commonly used and sensitive data is processed. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for vigilance.

Organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Monitor Foxit’s official channels for patches addressing CVE-2024-9253 and apply updates promptly once available. 2) Employ strict email and web filtering to block or quarantine suspicious PDF files, especially those containing interactive forms. 3) Educate users about the risks of opening PDFs from untrusted or unknown sources to reduce the likelihood of user interaction exploitation. 4) Consider sandboxing or running Foxit PDF Reader in a restricted environment to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 5) Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for unusual process behavior related to PDF readers. 6) Where feasible, restrict the use of Foxit PDF Reader to trusted documents or replace it with PDF readers that have a stronger security track record until patches are applied. 7) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on document handling workflows to identify and mitigate chained vulnerabilities.