CVE-2021-33794 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Foxit Reader before 10.1.4 and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4 are prone to information disclosure or application crashes due to mishandling the Tab key during XFA form interaction.

Understanding CVE-2021-33794

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF that can lead to sensitive information exposure or system instability.

What is CVE-2021-33794?

CVE-2021-33794 pertains to a flaw in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions prior to 10.1.4, allowing attackers to trigger information disclosure or cause application crashes by improperly utilizing the Tab key during XFA form interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2021-33794

The impact of this vulnerability includes the potential exposure of sensitive data and system crashes, posing a risk to user privacy and system stability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-33794

Below are the technical details associated with CVE-2021-33794:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF arises from mishandling the Tab key during XFA form interactions, leading to information disclosure or application crashes.

Affected Systems and Versions

Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions before 10.1.4 are affected by this vulnerability, leaving systems running these versions at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the Tab key during XFA form interaction to either disclose sensitive information or crash the application.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2021-33794, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF to version 10.1.4 or newer to mitigate the risk of information disclosure and application crashes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employing secure browsing habits and ensuring timely software updates can help in minimizing the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for updates from Foxit Software and apply patches promptly to enhance the security posture of Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF installations.