CVE-2025-32451 is a memory corruption vulnerability classified under CWE-824 (Access of Uninitialized Pointer) found in Foxit Reader version 2025.1.0.27937. The flaw arises from the use of an uninitialized pointer within the application’s JavaScript engine that processes embedded scripts in PDF documents. When a user opens a maliciously crafted PDF containing specially designed JavaScript code, the uninitialized pointer can lead to memory corruption. This corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Foxit Reader. Additionally, if the Foxit Reader browser plugin is enabled, merely visiting a malicious website hosting such a crafted PDF can trigger the vulnerability. The attack vector requires user interaction (opening the file or visiting the site) but does not require prior authentication or elevated privileges. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8, indicating high severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction needed, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported yet. The vulnerability was reserved in May 2025 and published in August 2025. No patches are currently linked, suggesting users must monitor vendor updates closely. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to environments where Foxit Reader is used to open untrusted PDFs or where the browser plugin is enabled, potentially allowing attackers to gain control over affected systems.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-32451 is substantial. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to steal sensitive data, manipulate documents, install malware, or disrupt operations. This is particularly critical for sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, where document exchange and PDF usage are frequent. The vulnerability’s ability to be triggered via malicious websites increases the attack surface, especially in organizations that allow browser plugins or have less restrictive browsing policies. Confidentiality breaches could expose personal and corporate data, integrity violations could alter critical documents, and availability impacts could disrupt business continuity. Given the high CVSS score and the widespread use of Foxit Reader in Europe, the threat could facilitate targeted attacks or widespread malware campaigns if exploited at scale. The lack of current known exploits provides a window for proactive defense but also means attackers may develop exploits soon after disclosure.

1. Immediately disable JavaScript execution within Foxit Reader settings to prevent automatic script execution in PDFs. 2. Disable or uninstall the Foxit Reader browser plugin to eliminate the web-based attack vector. 3. Restrict user permissions to run Foxit Reader with least privilege to limit potential damage from exploitation. 4. Implement network-level protections such as web filtering to block access to known malicious sites and sandbox PDF files before opening. 5. Educate users to avoid opening PDFs from untrusted or unknown sources and to be cautious with links to PDF files in emails or websites. 6. Monitor vendor communications closely and apply security patches as soon as they become available. 7. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 8. Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of code spawned by exploitation. 9. Conduct regular security awareness training emphasizing the risks of malicious documents and browser plugins. 10. Consider alternative PDF readers with a better security track record until patches are released.