CVE-2022-24907 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2023
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PDF Reader 11.1.0.52543. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the parsing of JP2 images. Crafted data in a JP2 image can trigger a read past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-16186.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2026
This vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader version 11.1.0.52543 represents a critical remote code execution flaw that demonstrates the inherent risks associated with image parsing components in document processing software. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the JP2 (JPEG 2000) image parser, which fails to properly bounds-check memory operations when processing maliciously crafted image data. This issue falls under the category of buffer over-read conditions that can be exploited to gain unauthorized code execution privileges within the application context. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and represents a significant concern for organizations that rely on PDF processing for document management and collaboration.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a specific attack vector involving user interaction, making it a prime example of a client-side exploit that leverages social engineering techniques. An attacker must successfully convince a victim to visit a malicious webpage or open a specially crafted PDF document containing the malicious JP2 image payload. When the vulnerable application attempts to parse the JP2 image data, the malformed buffer access triggers a memory corruption condition that can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow. This type of attack pattern corresponds to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, and demonstrates how image processing components can serve as attack surfaces for remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with the ability to operate within the security context of the currently running Foxit PDF Reader process. This privilege escalation scenario means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, especially if the application runs with elevated privileges or if users have administrative access to the system. Organizations that deploy Foxit PDF Reader across their enterprise networks face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users regularly process external documents or visit untrusted websites. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used PDF reader application creates a substantial attack surface that threat actors can exploit to gain initial access to targeted systems.
Effective mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach combining immediate patch management with network-level defenses. Organizations should prioritize the deployment of Foxit's official security updates and patches as soon as they become available, as these address the core buffer over-read condition in the JP2 parser. Network administrators should consider implementing web filtering solutions that can identify and block malicious content containing known exploit patterns, particularly around JP2 image handling. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious websites and untrusted PDF documents, as the vulnerability requires user interaction to succeed. Security teams should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with exploitation attempts, such as unexpected memory access violations or unusual process execution sequences. The vulnerability's nature as a buffer overflow condition makes it particularly susceptible to exploitation techniques that leverage return-oriented programming or other advanced exploitation methodologies, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures including address space layout randomization and stack canaries.