CVE-2024-30352 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE • 04/03/2024
Foxit PDF Reader AcroForm Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PDF Reader. 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 handling of Doc objects. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-22800.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2025
The CVE-2024-30352 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Foxit PDF Reader's handling of AcroForm elements within PDF documents. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating potential for arbitrary code execution. The flaw exists within the document object handling mechanism, particularly when processing AcroForm fields that are part of PDF forms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious PDF files that trigger the vulnerable code path during document parsing, making this a remote code execution vulnerability that requires user interaction to be successful.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when Foxit PDF Reader processes a malicious document containing specially crafted AcroForm elements. The application fails to properly validate whether certain object references still exist before attempting to perform operations on them, leading to a situation where freed memory can be accessed and manipulated. This use-after-free condition creates a predictable memory layout that attackers can leverage to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the PDF reader process. The vulnerability specifically affects the handling of Doc objects, which are fundamental components in PDF document structure management, making it particularly dangerous as it can impact core document processing functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it allows attackers to gain full control over the affected system where Foxit PDF Reader is installed. Since the exploitation requires user interaction through visiting a malicious webpage or opening a malicious file, the attack surface includes web browsing sessions, email attachments, and document sharing environments. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation, making it a significant threat to enterprise environments where PDF processing is common. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute commands through the compromised PDF reader process.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling PDF preview functionality in web browsers, implementing strict file type filtering, and ensuring all users are updated to the latest version of Foxit PDF Reader that contains the patched implementation. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help detect and block malicious PDF files before they reach users. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of opening unexpected PDF attachments or visiting untrusted websites. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and object validation in security-critical applications, highlighting how seemingly minor implementation flaws can result in severe remote code execution capabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of document processing components to identify similar use-after-free conditions that could be exploited in other software applications.