CVE-2021-38566 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An issue was discovered in Foxit PDF Reader before 11.0.1 and PDF Editor before 11.0.1. It allows stack consumption during recursive processing of embedded XML nodes.

Understanding CVE-2021-38566

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader and PDF Editor that allows for stack consumption during the recursive processing of embedded XML nodes.

What is CVE-2021-38566?

CVE-2021-38566 refers to a security flaw in Foxit PDF Reader and PDF Editor versions before 11.0.1, enabling attackers to exhaust stack space by recursively processing embedded XML nodes.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38566

Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to a denial of service (DoS) condition, causing the affected application to crash or become unresponsive. Malicious actors may leverage this flaw to disrupt operations or execute further attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38566

This section details the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Foxit PDF Reader and PDF Editor allows adversaries to consume stack space through the recursive handling of embedded XML nodes, potentially resulting in a DoS scenario.

Affected Systems and Versions

Foxit PDF Reader and PDF Editor versions prior to 11.0.1 are impacted by CVE-2021-38566. Users of these versions are at risk of stack consumption issues during XML node processing.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the processing of XML nodes within a PDF document, threat actors can trigger recursive operations that exhaust stack memory, leading to service disruptions or crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems against CVE-2021-38566 involves immediate remediation steps, security best practices, and timely application of patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update Foxit PDF Reader and PDF Editor to version 11.0.1 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, exercising caution while handling PDF files from untrusted sources is advisable to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining regular software updates, utilizing reputable security solutions, and staying informed about emerging threats are essential for enhancing overall cybersecurity posture.

Patching and Updates

Vendor-released patches addressing CVE-2021-38566 should be promptly applied to all affected systems to eliminate the vulnerability and strengthen resilience against potential attacks.