CVE-2023-33240 : What You Need to Know

This article provides insights into CVE-2023-33240, a vulnerability impacting Foxit PDF Reader and Foxit PDF Editor on Windows, allowing Local Privilege Escalation.

Understanding CVE-2023-33240

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-33240 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-33240?

The CVE-2023-33240 vulnerability affects Foxit PDF Reader and Foxit PDF Editor on Windows systems. Specifically, versions 12.1.1.15289 and earlier of both applications are vulnerable to Local Privilege Escalation when installed in a non-default directory.

The Impact of CVE-2023-33240

The vulnerability allows unprivileged users to access an executable file of a system service, leading to Local Privilege Escalation. However, this security issue has been addressed in version 12.1.2 of the software.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-33240

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-33240 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to improper access controls, enabling unauthorized users to escalate their privileges on the Windows system where the affected Foxit PDF software is installed.

Affected Systems and Versions

Foxit PDF Reader versions 12.1.1.15289 and earlier, along with Foxit PDF Editor versions 12.1.1.15289, all previous 12.x versions, 11.2.5.53785, all previous 11.x versions, and 10.1.11.37866, are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the unprivileged user's access to the executable file of a system service, potentially executing malicious code to elevate their privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-33240 and prevent any malicious exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Foxit PDF Reader and Foxit PDF Editor software to version 12.1.2 or later to eliminate the vulnerability and prevent Local Privilege Escalation attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing regular software updates, practicing the principle of least privilege, and monitoring system access can help enhance the overall security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Staying vigilant for security updates from Foxit and promptly applying patches is crucial to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed and the software remains secure.