CVE-2021-31448 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed article outlining the CVE-2021-31448 vulnerability found in Foxit Reader version 10.1.1.37576, allowing remote attackers to disclose sensitive information and potentially execute arbitrary code.

Understanding CVE-2021-31448

This section will cover what CVE-2021-31448 is and its impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2021-31448?

CVE-2021-31448 is a vulnerability in Foxit Reader 10.1.1.37576 that enables remote attackers to access confidential information by exploiting a flaw in the handling of U3D objects embedded in PDF files.

The Impact of CVE-2021-31448

The vulnerability poses a low-severity risk but can allow attackers to read past the end of allocated objects, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of data and the execution of arbitrary code.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-31448

A deeper dive into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-31448 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The specific flaw in Foxit Reader version 10.1.1.37576 arises from inadequate validation of user-supplied data, which can result in unauthorized data access and code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Foxit Reader version 10.1.1.37576 is the sole affected version by CVE-2021-31448, exposing installations of this software to the disclosed information vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-31448, remote attackers must prompt user interaction, leading victims to visit a malicious page or open a corrupted file, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code within the current process.

Mitigation and Prevention

Guidance on mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2021-31448, focusing on immediate actions, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to exercise caution while interacting with PDF files, refrain from accessing suspicious websites, and promptly update Foxit Reader to the latest secure version.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure browsing habits, maintaining up-to-date antivirus software, and conducting regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Patching and Updates

Foxit Software has released security updates to address CVE-2021-31448. Users should prioritize updating their Foxit Reader installation to mitigate the risk of potential exploitation.