CVE-2025-66498 is a memory corruption vulnerability classified as CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) found in Foxit PDF Reader, a widely used PDF viewing software. The vulnerability specifically affects the 3D annotation handling component, where the software parses U3D (Universal 3D) data embedded within PDF files. Due to insufficient bounds checking during the parsing of PRC (Product Representation Compact) content, a specially crafted PDF can cause the application to read memory outside the intended buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds read can lead to memory corruption, potentially resulting in application crashes or undefined behavior that could be leveraged for further exploitation. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Foxit PDF Reader, including versions 13.2.1 and earlier, 14.0.1 and earlier, and 2025.2.1 and earlier, indicating a long-standing issue across several releases. The attack vector is local, requiring a user to open a malicious PDF file, but no privileges or authentication are needed. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.3, indicating medium severity, with impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, but limited by the need for user interaction and local access. No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. The flaw could be exploited to crash the application or potentially execute arbitrary code if combined with other vulnerabilities or techniques, though this is not confirmed. The vulnerability highlights the risks associated with complex PDF features like 3D annotations and the importance of robust input validation in document parsers.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems running vulnerable versions of Foxit PDF Reader. Since PDFs are ubiquitous in business communications, finance, legal, and government sectors, a successful exploit could lead to application crashes, denial of service, or potentially more severe memory corruption consequences. Organizations handling sensitive or classified information via PDFs could face data leakage or corruption risks if attackers craft malicious documents targeting this flaw. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious PDF) means phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to deliver the exploit. The impact is heightened in environments where Foxit PDF Reader is widely deployed and where users frequently receive PDFs from external or untrusted sources. Additionally, sectors with regulatory compliance requirements around data protection (e.g., GDPR) must consider the risk of data exposure or system disruption. While no known exploits exist yet, the public disclosure increases the risk of future exploitation attempts, making timely mitigation critical.

1. Apply patches or updates from Foxit Software as soon as they become available to address CVE-2025-66498. 2. Until patches are released, disable or restrict the rendering of 3D annotations and U3D/PRC content in Foxit PDF Reader via configuration settings or group policies if supported. 3. Implement strict email and document filtering to block or quarantine PDFs containing 3D annotations or suspicious embedded content from untrusted sources. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening PDFs from unknown or unexpected senders, emphasizing caution with files containing advanced features like 3D annotations. 5. Use endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior or crashes related to PDF processing. 6. Monitor logs and alerts for unusual application crashes or memory errors in Foxit PDF Reader instances. 7. Consider deploying alternative PDF readers with a smaller attack surface or better security track record for high-risk user groups. 8. Conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing focusing on document handling applications to identify similar weaknesses proactively.