CVE-2021-41782 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Foxit PDF Reader before 11.1, PDF Editor before 11.1, and PhantomPDF before 10.1.6 are affected by a vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through mishandling of JavaScript.

Understanding CVE-2021-41782

Foxit PDF software versions prior to specified releases are vulnerable to a use-after-free issue that can be exploited to trigger arbitrary code execution.

What is CVE-2021-41782?

The CVE-2021-41782 vulnerability encompasses Foxit PDF Reader versions earlier than 11.1, PDF Editor versions prior to 11.1, and PhantomPDF versions before 10.1.6. It enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary code due to the incorrect handling of JavaScript in the software.

The Impact of CVE-2021-41782

This vulnerability permits attackers to exploit a use-after-free flaw, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-41782

Foxit PDF software versions suffer from a critical vulnerability that can have severe repercussions:

Vulnerability Description

Foxit PDF Reader and PDF Editor before 11.1, and PhantomPDF before 10.1.6, mishandle JavaScript, allowing an attacker to trigger a use-after-free scenario and execute arbitrary code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Foxit PDF Reader before version 11.1
Foxit PDF Editor before version 11.1
PhantomPDF before version 10.1.6

Exploitation Mechanism

This vulnerability can be exploited by utilizing specially crafted PDF documents containing malicious JavaScript code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Users and organizations can take the following steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-41782:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Foxit PDF software to versions 11.1 for Reader and Editor, and 10.1.6 for PhantomPDF.
Exercise caution when opening PDF files from unknown or untrusted sources.
Consider disabling JavaScript execution in the PDF software as a temporary workaround.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential exploits.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Foxit Software to address the CVE-2021-41782 vulnerability and enhance the overall security posture of the systems.