CVE-2025-55309 is a use-after-free vulnerability identified in Foxit PDF and Editor software for Windows and macOS platforms, affecting versions prior to 13.2 and 2025 before 2025.2. The vulnerability is triggered by a specially crafted PDF containing JavaScript that attaches an OnBlur event handler to a form field. This event handler destroys an annotation object when the form field loses focus. However, during a user-initiated right-click interaction, the software's internal focus change handling prematurely releases the annotation object, leading to a use-after-free condition. This memory management flaw can cause memory corruption or application crashes, potentially allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically right-clicking on the form field within the malicious PDF. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Foxit PDF products in enterprise environments. The absence of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly published and not yet fully assessed, but the technical details suggest a high-risk scenario. The vulnerability leverages JavaScript embedded in PDFs, a common attack vector, and targets the annotation handling mechanism, which is critical for document rendering and interaction. The flaw affects both Windows and macOS users, broadening the scope of potential impact.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-55309 can be substantial, especially for those relying on Foxit PDF and Editor for document management, legal, financial, and administrative workflows. Exploitation could lead to application crashes, causing denial of service and disruption of business operations. More critically, if an attacker successfully leverages the memory corruption to execute arbitrary code, it could lead to system compromise, data theft, or lateral movement within the network. This is particularly concerning for sectors handling sensitive or regulated data, such as finance, healthcare, and government agencies. The requirement for user interaction (right-clicking on a form field) somewhat limits the attack vector but does not eliminate risk, as social engineering or phishing campaigns could entice users to open and interact with malicious PDFs. The vulnerability affects both Windows and macOS platforms, increasing the range of impacted systems across European enterprises. Given the widespread adoption of Foxit products in Europe, the risk of targeted attacks or opportunistic exploitation is significant. Additionally, disruption caused by crashes could affect productivity and trust in document handling systems.

1. Apply patches and updates from Foxit as soon as they become available to address CVE-2025-55309. 2. Until patches are released, disable or restrict JavaScript execution within Foxit PDF and Editor settings to reduce the attack surface. 3. Educate users about the risks of interacting with unexpected or suspicious PDF files, especially those received via email or untrusted sources. 4. Implement email filtering and sandboxing solutions to detect and block malicious PDFs before they reach end users. 5. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to memory corruption or exploitation attempts. 6. Monitor logs and alerts for unusual application crashes or suspicious activity related to Foxit PDF usage. 7. Consider deploying application whitelisting or sandboxing for PDF readers to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 8. Review and tighten document handling policies to minimize exposure to untrusted PDFs. 9. Coordinate with IT and security teams to prioritize remediation in high-risk departments and critical infrastructure sectors. 10. Maintain regular backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from potential exploitation consequences.