CVE-2021-31441 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-31441, a vulnerability in Foxit Reader version 10.1.1.37576 that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. User interaction is required for exploitation through visiting a malicious page or opening a malicious file.

Understanding CVE-2021-31441

CVE-2021-31441 is a security vulnerability affecting Foxit Reader version 10.1.1.37576, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting a flaw in the handling of Annotation objects.

What is CVE-2021-31441?

CVE-2021-31441 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Foxit Reader installations. The vulnerability arises from the lack of validating the existence of an object before performing operations on it, leading to code execution in the current process.

The Impact of CVE-2021-31441

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a CVSS base score of 7.8. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability to achieve high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts without requiring any special privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-31441

CVE-2021-31441 is classified as a 'Use After Free' vulnerability (CWE-416), indicating that it involves the reuse of memory pointers after freeing them.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability occurs due to a flaw in the handling of Annotation objects in Foxit Reader, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current process.

Affected Systems and Versions

Foxit Reader version 10.1.1.37576 is impacted by this vulnerability, requiring immediate attention to prevent potential exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit CVE-2021-31441 by tricking users into visiting a malicious page or opening a specially crafted file, triggering the execution of arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-31441, users and organizations are advised to take immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should refrain from visiting unknown or suspicious websites and avoid opening files from untrusted sources to prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing security best practices such as keeping software up to date, using security tools, and educating users on cybersecurity awareness can help strengthen overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Vendor patches and updates provided by Foxit should be promptly applied to address CVE-2021-31441 and eliminate the associated security risks.