CVE-2023-41257 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE • 11/27/2023
A type confusion vulnerability exists in the way Foxit Reader 12.1.2.15356 handles field value properties. A specially crafted Javascript code inside a malicious PDF document can trigger this vulnerability, which can lead to memory corruption and result in arbitrary code execution. An attacker needs to trick the user into opening the malicious file to trigger this vulnerability. Exploitation is also possible if a user visits a specially crafted, malicious site if the browser plugin extension is enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-41257 represents a critical type confusion flaw within Foxit Reader version 12.1.2.15356 that stems from improper handling of field value properties during javascript execution within pdf documents. This type confusion vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate data types during runtime operations, creating a scenario where memory corruption can occur. The flaw specifically affects the javascript engine's ability to distinguish between different data types when processing field properties, leading to unpredictable behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability resides in the pdf reader's javascript interpretation layer where it processes user-provided data without adequate type validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires crafting malicious javascript code that specifically targets the field value property handling within Foxit Reader's javascript engine. When a user opens a specially crafted pdf document containing this malicious javascript, the reader's javascript interpreter processes the malformed field values in a way that causes memory corruption. This memory corruption can overwrite critical program execution pointers or function return addresses, enabling an attacker to redirect code execution flow. The vulnerability operates through a classic type confusion attack pattern where the application treats data as one type while it is actually another, leading to memory layout corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple document viewing scenarios, as it creates multiple attack vectors for threat actors. The primary exploitation method involves social engineering through malicious pdf documents that must be opened by unsuspecting users, but the vulnerability also presents a web-based attack surface when browser plugin extensions are enabled. This dual attack surface increases the exploitation potential significantly, as web-based attacks can leverage existing browser vulnerabilities or simply rely on the reader's plugin functionality. The attack requires user interaction but can be automated through phishing campaigns or compromised websites that serve malicious content to unsuspecting users. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable Foxit Reader application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-41257 should prioritize immediate patching of Foxit Reader to the latest available version that addresses this specific type confusion vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict pdf document scanning and validation procedures before allowing user access to potentially malicious files. Security teams should disable javascript execution in pdf readers when it is not required for business operations, as this significantly reduces the attack surface. Browser plugin extensions for Foxit Reader should be disabled or carefully monitored, as they create additional attack vectors that can be exploited through web-based attacks. Network security controls should include pdf file content inspection to identify suspicious javascript patterns, and user education programs should emphasize the dangers of opening unexpected pdf documents from untrusted sources. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-471 which describes the weakness of "Incorrectly Handling of Data Type" and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for javascript execution and T1203 for exploitation through malicious documents, requiring comprehensive defensive measures across multiple security domains to effectively protect against exploitation attempts.