CVE-2024-9254 is a use-after-free vulnerability classified under CWE-416 in Foxit PDF Reader version 2024.2.3.25184. The vulnerability exists in the component responsible for handling Annotation objects within PDF files. Specifically, the software fails to verify whether an object still exists before performing operations on it, leading to a use-after-free condition. This memory corruption flaw can be triggered remotely when a user opens a crafted malicious PDF file or visits a malicious webpage that loads such a file. Exploiting this vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit PDF Reader process, potentially leading to full compromise of the affected system depending on the user's privileges. The vulnerability requires user interaction but no prior authentication, making it a significant risk vector. 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 known yet, the flaw was reported to the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) as ZDI-CAN-25173 and is now publicly disclosed. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure means users remain vulnerable until an update is released and applied.

The impact of CVE-2024-9254 is substantial for organizations worldwide that utilize Foxit PDF Reader, especially in environments where users frequently handle PDF documents from external or untrusted sources. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or disrupt operations. The vulnerability compromises confidentiality by potentially exposing sensitive document contents or credentials, integrity by enabling unauthorized code execution and modification of data, and availability by causing application or system crashes. Since the attack requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver malicious PDFs. Enterprises with high PDF usage in sectors like finance, government, legal, and healthcare are particularly at risk. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the high severity score and ease of exploitation underscore the urgency for remediation.

Organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Monitor Foxit’s official channels for patches addressing CVE-2024-9254 and apply updates immediately upon release. 2) Employ application whitelisting and sandboxing techniques to limit the execution context of Foxit PDF Reader, reducing the impact of potential exploitation. 3) Configure email and web gateways to block or flag suspicious PDF attachments and links, especially those containing annotations or scripts. 4) Educate users about the risks of opening PDFs from unknown or untrusted sources and encourage verification before interaction. 5) Utilize endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6) Consider deploying alternative PDF readers with a lower attack surface in high-risk environments until patches are available. 7) Implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems that handle sensitive PDFs, limiting lateral movement in case of compromise.