CVE-2021-34847 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A critical vulnerability has been identified in Foxit PDF Reader 11.0.0.49893 that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, posing a significant risk to system security.

Understanding CVE-2021-34847

This vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader 11.0.0.49893 is due to the mishandling of Annotation objects, enabling attackers to exploit it by requiring user interaction, such as visiting a malicious site or opening a harmful file.

What is CVE-2021-34847?

CVE-2021-34847 is a security flaw in Foxit PDF Reader 11.0.0.49893 that permits attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The issue arises from the lack of validation when operating on objects, allowing attackers to run code within the current process.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34847

The impact of this vulnerability is severe, with a CVSS base score of 7.8, indicating a high severity level. It affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making it crucial for users to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34847

This section dives into specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of Annotation objects in Foxit PDF Reader 11.0.0.49893, allowing threat actors to exploit user interactions and execute arbitrary code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Foxit PDF Reader version 11.0.0.49893 is affected by this vulnerability, putting all installations of this version at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by tricking users into accessing a malicious page or opening a tainted file, taking advantage of the lack of object validation in the application.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-34847, immediate actions and long-term security practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to refrain from visiting untrusted websites or opening suspicious files to prevent potential exploitation. It is crucial to update Foxit PDF Reader to the latest secure version.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures and educating users about safe browsing habits can enhance overall system security and resilience against such vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating software, especially security patches released by Foxit, is crucial to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities and potential threats.