CVE-2024-25648 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE • 04/30/2024
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the way Foxit Reader 2024.1.0.23997 handles a ComboBox widget. A specially crafted JavaScript code inside a malicious PDF document can trigger reuse of a previously freed object, 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 • 08/22/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-25648 represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Foxit Reader version 2024.1.0.23997 that specifically affects the handling of ComboBox widgets within PDF documents. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-416, which classifies use-after-free conditions as a serious memory safety issue that occurs when a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed. The flaw manifests when Foxit Reader processes a malicious PDF containing specially crafted JavaScript code that manipulates ComboBox widget objects in a manner that leads to improper memory management. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through multiple attack vectors including direct file execution and web-based attacks when the browser plugin extension is enabled.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of JavaScript code within PDF documents to trigger a specific sequence of events that causes the ComboBox widget object to be freed from memory while still being referenced elsewhere in the application's execution flow. When the application attempts to access this previously freed memory location, it results in memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Foxit Reader. The attack requires social engineering to convince users to open malicious PDF files, but the web-based exploitation vector makes it particularly concerning as users can be compromised simply by visiting malicious websites that host PDF content with embedded exploit code.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations that rely on Foxit Reader for document processing and viewing. The arbitrary code execution capability means that attackers can potentially install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistence within the victim's system. The vulnerability affects both desktop and web-based usage scenarios, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious content through various channels. The exploitation requires user interaction but once triggered, the consequences can be severe, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data breaches. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat that requires immediate attention and mitigation strategies.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to protect against exploitation of CVE-2024-25648. The most effective immediate mitigation involves updating to the latest version of Foxit Reader where the vulnerability has been patched. System administrators should also consider disabling the browser plugin extension if it is not essential for business operations, as this removes one of the attack vectors. Network security measures including web filtering and content inspection can help block access to known malicious PDF content, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious process behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of only opening PDF files from trusted sources and avoiding suspicious website content. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing importance of proper memory management in PDF processing applications and highlights the need for continuous security testing and vulnerability assessment in document reader software.