High severity · published Feb 4, 2022
CVE-2021-40420
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the JavaScript engine of Foxit Software’s PDF Reader, version 11.1.0.52543
8.8
CVSS
4.7%
EPSS
No
On KEV
Description
A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the JavaScript engine of Foxit Software’s PDF Reader, version 11.1.0.52543. A specially-crafted PDF document can trigger the reuse of previously freed memory, which can lead to arbitrary code execution. An attacker needs to trick the user to open the malicious file to trigger this vulnerability. Exploitation is also possible if a user visits a specially-crafted, malicious site if the browser plugin extension is enabled.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack vector
Network
Complexity
Low
Privileges
None
User interaction
Required
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High
Scope
Unchanged
Exploitation
Is it being used?
Exploit prediction (EPSS)4.7% · higher than 92% of CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo evidence yet
CISA KEVNot listed
Ransomware campaign useNot known
Affected products
Which versions
PR
Pdf Reader · Foxit
11.1.0.52543 · source: NVD
References
NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-40420
CVE.org
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2021-40420
Exploit
https://talosintelligence.com/vulnerability_reports/TALOS-2021-1429
More from Pdf Reader
9.8
CVE-2022-24955
Foxit PDF Reader before 11.2.1 and Foxit PDF Editor before 11.2.1 have an Uncontrolled Search Path Element for DLL files
9.8
CVE-2022-24954
Foxit PDF Reader before 11.2.1 and Foxit PDF Editor before 11.2.1 have a Stack-Based Buffer Overflow related to XFA, for the 'subform colSpan="-2"' and 'draw colSpan="1"'…
9.8
CVE-2021-38563
An issue was discovered in Foxit PDF Reader before 11.0.1 and PDF Editor before 11.0.1
8.8
CVE-2026-91800
Foxit PDF Editor installer local privilege escalation
8.8
CVE-2025-13941
Foxit PDF Reader Update Service Incorrect Permission Assignment Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability