CVE-2025-55308 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in Foxit PDF and Editor for Windows versions before 13.2 and 2025 before 2025.2. The flaw is triggered by a maliciously crafted PDF file that contains JavaScript code invoking the closeDoc() function while internal PDF objects remain in use. This premature release of objects leads to memory corruption, which can be exploited to cause information disclosure. The vulnerability leverages the JavaScript engine embedded in the PDF reader, which is commonly used for interactive PDF features. When the closeDoc() function is called improperly, it frees memory that is still referenced, resulting in undefined behavior. An attacker can craft a PDF that, when opened by a user, executes this JavaScript and triggers the vulnerability without requiring elevated privileges or prior authentication. Although no exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the nature of the vulnerability makes it a prime candidate for exploitation, especially in spear-phishing campaigns where malicious PDFs are delivered via email. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly published and pending further analysis. The vulnerability primarily impacts confidentiality by potentially leaking sensitive information from memory. The attack requires user interaction (opening the PDF), but no additional user actions beyond that. The vulnerability affects Windows versions of Foxit PDF and Editor, which are widely used in enterprise and government environments due to their lightweight and feature-rich nature.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive data. Foxit PDF products are widely used across various sectors including finance, government, legal, and healthcare, all of which handle sensitive information. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of confidential documents or memory contents, potentially exposing personal data, intellectual property, or classified information. The ease of exploitation via a crafted PDF makes it a viable vector for targeted attacks such as spear-phishing. Organizations relying on Foxit PDF for document handling and editing may face operational disruptions if exploitation leads to application crashes or instability. Additionally, regulatory frameworks like GDPR impose strict requirements on data protection, and any data leakage could result in significant legal and financial penalties. The vulnerability’s impact extends to endpoint security, as compromised systems could serve as footholds for further network intrusion or lateral movement.

1. Apply official patches from Foxit as soon as they are released to address this vulnerability. 2. Temporarily disable JavaScript execution within Foxit PDF Reader and Editor to prevent exploitation via malicious scripts embedded in PDFs. 3. Implement advanced email filtering and sandboxing solutions to detect and block malicious PDF attachments before they reach end users. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious PDF files, especially those received via email. 5. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to monitor for abnormal process behavior related to PDF readers. 6. Use application whitelisting to restrict execution of unauthorized software and scripts. 7. Regularly audit and update PDF handling policies and ensure that all software versions are kept current. 8. Consider network segmentation to limit the impact of a compromised endpoint. 9. Monitor threat intelligence feeds for any emerging exploits targeting this vulnerability to respond promptly.