CVE-2024-7724 in Foxit
Summary
by MITRE • 08/21/2024
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 AcroForms. 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-23900.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2025
The CVE-2024-7724 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Foxit PDF Reader's handling of AcroForm elements, constituting a severe remote code execution risk that has been classified under CWE-416. This vulnerability resides in the PDF reader's form processing subsystem where the application fails to properly validate object existence before executing operations on AcroForm objects. The flaw specifically manifests when the software attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed, creating a condition where an attacker can manipulate the memory state to redirect execution flow. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely within the context of the PDF reader process, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the legitimate user.
The exploitation mechanism requires user interaction through either visiting a malicious webpage or opening a specially crafted PDF file containing malicious AcroForm data. This attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of software vulnerabilities for code execution. The vulnerability's root cause stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices within the AcroForm parsing code, where the software does not properly check if objects remain valid before attempting to access them. This type of vulnerability is particularly insidious because it can be delivered through various attack vectors including phishing emails, compromised websites, or malicious file sharing platforms, making it a significant threat to enterprise environments where users frequently interact with PDF documents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially lead to full system compromise when combined with other attack techniques. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain the ability to install malware, modify system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistence mechanisms within the victim's environment. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the widespread use of Foxit PDF Reader across both enterprise and consumer environments, making it an attractive target for threat actors seeking to maximize their attack surface. Organizations running affected versions of Foxit PDF Reader are particularly vulnerable because the exploitation does not require advanced technical skills beyond creating a malicious PDF document, and the attack can be automated through web-based delivery mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7724 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Foxit as the primary defense mechanism, as this vulnerability has been assigned ZDI-CAN-23900 for tracking purposes. Security administrators should implement network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems that can detect and block malicious PDF content before it reaches end users. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding untrusted PDF documents and websites, particularly those that prompt users to download or open PDF files. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing technologies for PDF processing and monitoring for unusual memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in preventing use-after-free conditions, which should be incorporated into security development lifecycle processes to prevent similar issues in other applications.