CVE-2025-9329 is a high-severity remote code execution vulnerability affecting Foxit PDF Reader version 2024.4.0.27683. The vulnerability arises from an out-of-bounds read condition (CWE-125) in the parsing of PRC files, a file format embedded within PDFs for 3D content. Specifically, the flaw is due to improper validation of user-supplied data, which allows an attacker to read beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This memory corruption can be exploited to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Foxit PDF Reader process. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a maliciously crafted PDF containing a PRC file or visiting a malicious webpage that triggers the vulnerability. 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 known exploits are currently observed in the wild, the vulnerability was assigned by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) and publicly disclosed on September 2, 2025. This vulnerability is critical because it enables remote attackers to gain code execution capabilities, potentially leading to full system compromise if the PDF reader runs with user privileges. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be available, emphasizing the urgency for mitigation and monitoring. Organizations using Foxit PDF Reader should consider this vulnerability a significant risk, especially in environments where PDF files are frequently exchanged or downloaded from untrusted sources.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-9329 can be substantial. Foxit PDF Reader is widely used across enterprises, government agencies, and educational institutions in Europe due to its feature set and performance. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, disruption of business operations, and potential lateral movement within networks if attackers leverage the code execution to deploy additional malware or ransomware. Confidentiality is at high risk as attackers could exfiltrate data; integrity is compromised through potential unauthorized modifications; and availability could be affected if attackers disrupt or disable the PDF reader or related systems. The requirement for user interaction means phishing campaigns or malicious document distribution remain the primary attack vectors, which are common tactics in European cyber threat landscapes. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially given the high severity and ease of exploitation. Organizations handling sensitive or regulated data (e.g., GDPR-protected personal data) face compliance risks if breaches occur due to this vulnerability.

1. Immediate mitigation should include disabling or restricting the use of Foxit PDF Reader for opening untrusted or unsolicited PDF files, especially those containing embedded PRC files. 2. Employ email and web gateway filtering to block or quarantine emails and downloads containing suspicious PDFs or PRC content. 3. Implement endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for anomalous process behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Educate users on the risks of opening PDFs from unknown sources and train them to recognize phishing attempts. 5. Where possible, use sandboxing or virtualized environments to open PDFs from untrusted origins to contain potential exploitation. 6. Monitor vendor communications closely for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and prioritize timely deployment once available. 7. Consider deploying application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of code spawned by the PDF reader. 8. Review and tighten network segmentation to limit the impact of potential compromises originating from exploited endpoints. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling the attack surface related to PRC file handling and user interaction vectors specific to this vulnerability.