CVE-2021-38568 : Security Advisory and Response

A memory corruption vulnerability was found in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before version 10.1.4, allowing attackers to exploit it during the conversion of a PDF document to another format.

Understanding CVE-2021-38568

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2021-38568 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-38568?

CVE-2021-38568 is a memory corruption vulnerability present in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions prior to 10.1.4. It arises during the conversion process of a PDF document to a different format.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38568

This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to cause memory corruption, leading to potential arbitrary code execution or system crashes.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38568

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-38568 in this section.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before version 10.1.4, enabling memory corruption when converting PDF files to other formats.

Affected Systems and Versions

Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions earlier than 10.1.4 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating crafted PDF documents during conversion, potentially leading to memory corruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will discuss steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-38568.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF to version 10.1.4 or newer to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Apart from timely updates, users are advised to practice safe browsing habits and exercise caution while handling PDF files from untrusted sources.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for updates from Foxit Software and apply patches promptly to ensure the security of your PDF viewer software.