CVE-2025-55313
Summary
CVE-2025-55313 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Foxit PDF Reader and Editor. This vulnerability allows for potential arbitrary code execution when processing maliciously crafted PDF files due to insufficient memory allocation handling.
Technical Details
CVE-2025-55313 arises from a flaw in how Foxit PDF Reader and Editor handle memory allocation after a JavaScript script within a PDF file attempts to assign an extremely large value to the charLimit property of a form field. Specifically, the application fails to adequately validate the requested memory allocation size. When a large value is assigned to charLimit, the application attempts to allocate a corresponding amount of memory. If this allocation fails or is handled improperly, it can lead to memory corruption. This memory corruption can then be exploited by an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the application. The vulnerability is triggered when a user opens a specially crafted PDF file containing the malicious JavaScript code.
The root cause lies in the lack of robust error handling and input validation during the memory allocation process. A successful exploit allows an attacker to gain control of the affected system, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further malicious activities.
Affected Products and Versions
- Foxit PDF Reader before version 13.2
- Foxit PDF Editor before version 13.2
- Foxit PDF Editor 2025 before version 2025.2
Impact Assessment
Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-55313 can have severe consequences.
- Arbitrary Code Execution: An attacker can execute arbitrary code on the victim's machine with the privileges of the user running Foxit PDF Reader or Editor.
- System Compromise: The attacker can gain control of the affected system, potentially installing malware, stealing sensitive data, or using the system as a launchpad for further attacks.
- Data Breach: Sensitive information contained within PDF documents or accessible by the compromised system could be exposed.
- Denial of Service: The vulnerability could be exploited to cause the application to crash, leading to a denial of service.
Remediation
Immediate Actions
- Update Foxit PDF Reader and Editor: Upgrade to version 13.2 or 2025.2 (or later) as soon as possible.
- Exercise Caution with PDF Files: Be wary of opening PDF files from untrusted sources. Verify the sender's identity and the file's authenticity before opening.
- Disable JavaScript (If Possible): If feasible, disable JavaScript execution within Foxit PDF Reader and Editor as a temporary mitigation. Note that this may affect the functionality of some PDF documents.
Long-term Solutions
- Implement Regular Security Updates: Ensure that Foxit PDF Reader and Editor are configured to automatically receive and install security updates.
- Enhance Security Awareness Training: Educate users about the risks associated with opening PDF files from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping their software up to date.
Detection & Scanning
This vulnerability can be detected by security scanners that identify outdated versions of Foxit PDF Reader and Editor. Monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns within the application can also provide an indication of potential exploitation attempts.
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