CVE-2021-38569 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before version 10.1.4, allowing stack consumption via recursive function calls when handling XFA forms or link objects.

Understanding CVE-2021-38569

This CVE involves a vulnerability found in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF, impacting their versions prior to 10.1.4.

What is CVE-2021-38569?

CVE-2021-38569 is a security flaw that enables stack consumption through recursive function calls during the processing of XFA forms or link objects in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF.

The Impact of CVE-2021-38569

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a denial of service condition or potentially arbitrary code execution on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-38569

This section covers the specific technical aspects of CVE-2021-38569.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before version 10.1.4 allows attackers to exhaust the stack by triggering recursive function calls while handling XFA forms or link objects.

Affected Systems and Versions

Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions prior to 10.1.4 are impacted by CVE-2021-38569.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this issue, threat actors can execute malicious code or disrupt the normal operation of affected software instances.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss the necessary steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-38569.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF to version 10.1.4 or later to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regular security updates can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins from Foxit Software and promptly apply patches to ensure the protection of your systems.