CVE-2021-38567 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-38567, a vulnerability in Foxit PDF Editor and Reader before 11.0.1 on macOS. Learn mitigation steps and how to prevent exploitation.
An issue was discovered in Foxit PDF Editor before 11.0.1 and PDF Reader before 11.0.1 on macOS, leading to a NULL pointer dereference vulnerability.
Understanding CVE-2021-38567
This CVE pertains to a vulnerability in Foxit PDF Editor and PDF Reader that mishandles missing dictionary entries, resulting in a NULL pointer dereference.
What is CVE-2021-38567?
CVE-2021-38567 is a vulnerability in Foxit PDF Editor and PDF Reader software versions before 11.0.1 on macOS. It allows attackers to trigger a NULL pointer dereference by exploiting missing dictionary entries.
The Impact of CVE-2021-38567
The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on the affected systems. By sending a specially crafted PDF file, an attacker could potentially crash the application, leading to disruption of service.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-38567
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from the mishandling of missing dictionary entries in Foxit PDF Editor and PDF Reader, resulting in a NULL pointer dereference.
Affected Systems and Versions
Foxit PDF Editor and PDF Reader versions before 11.0.1 on macOS are affected by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious PDF file with missing dictionary entries, leading to a NULL pointer dereference when opened with the affected software.
Mitigation and Prevention
It is crucial to implement immediate steps to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploitation of the CVE.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update Foxit PDF Editor and PDF Reader to the latest version (11.0.1 or later) to patch the vulnerability. Additionally, exercise caution when opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
To enhance security posture, users should regularly update software, employ security best practices, and maintain awareness of potential threats targeting PDF applications.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security updates from Foxit Software and apply patches promptly to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.