CVE-2018-21236 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Foxit Reader version 2.4.4 and earlier is affected by a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2018-21236

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in Foxit Reader that can lead to a NULL pointer dereference.

What is CVE-2018-21236?

CVE-2018-21236 is a security vulnerability found in Foxit Reader versions prior to 2.4.4. It involves a NULL pointer dereference issue.

The Impact of CVE-2018-21236

This vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by exploiting the NULL pointer dereference in Foxit Reader.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-21236

Foxit Reader version 2.4.4 and earlier are susceptible to this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue in Foxit Reader before 2.4.4 results in a NULL pointer dereference, which could be exploited by malicious actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Foxit Reader
Versions affected: 2.4.4 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious PDF file and enticing a user to open it, triggering the NULL pointer dereference.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2018-21236.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Foxit Reader to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.
Implement security best practices for PDF file handling.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to ensure the latest security patches are in place.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and the importance of software updates.

Patching and Updates

Foxit Software has released patches addressing this vulnerability. Ensure that Foxit Reader is updated to version 2.4.4 or later to protect against CVE-2018-21236.