CVE-2020-13814:Use-after-free vulnerability in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before version 9.7.1

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A use-after-free vulnerability (CWE-416) was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF versions prior to 9.7.1. The vulnerability occurs when processing PDF documents that lack a dictionary, which can lead to accessing memory after it has been freed. This could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause application crashes when a user opens a specially crafted malicious PDF document.

Overview

This vulnerability affects Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF software before version 9.7.1. The use-after-free flaw occurs during the processing of PDF documents with missing dictionary elements. When the application attempts to access previously freed memory, it can lead to application crashes or, in more severe cases, allow remote code execution. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating specially crafted PDF files and convincing users to open them with vulnerable versions of the software.

Remediation

Users should update to Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF version 9.7.1 or later to address this vulnerability. The update is available through the Foxit Software website or via the application's built-in update mechanism. Until the update can be applied, users should exercise caution when opening PDF files from untrusted sources and consider using alternative PDF readers temporarily. Organizations should prioritize this update for systems where users frequently interact with PDF documents from external sources.

References

  • Foxit Software Security Bulletins: https://www.foxitsoftware.com/support/security-bulletins.php
  • CVE-2020-13814: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2020-13814
  • CWE-416 (Use After Free): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/416.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  3. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  4. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  5. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  6. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  7. Utilities
    Utilities
  8. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  9. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  12. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  13. Information
    Information
  14. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  15. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  16. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  17. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  18. Construction
    Construction
  19. Mining
    Mining
  20. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing

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