#VU52940 Link following in Foxit PDF Reader for Windows and Foxit PDF Editor (formerly Foxit PhantomPDF)

Vulnerability identifier: #VU52940

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 1.1 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: N/A

CWE-ID: CWE-59

Exploitation vector: Local

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Foxit PDF Reader for Windows
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications
Foxit PDF Editor (formerly Foxit PhantomPDF)
Client/Desktop applications / Office applications

Vendor: Foxit Software Inc.

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to delete arbitrary files on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to the way the application handles symbolic links. A local user can create  symbolic links to critical files on the system and delete them, when the system administrator uninstalls the application.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Foxit PDF Reader for Windows: 9.0 - 10.1.3.37598

Foxit PDF Editor (formerly Foxit PhantomPDF): 9.0.0.29935 - 9.7.5.29616, 10.0.0.35798 - 10.1.3.37598

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External links
https://www.foxitsoftware.com/support/security-bulletins.html?Security+updates+available+in+Foxit+Reader+10.1.4+and+Foxit+PhantomPDF+10.1.42021-05-06+00%3A00%3A00

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.