CVE-2026-57250 Overview
CVE-2026-57250 is a use-after-free vulnerability [CWE-416] affecting Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit PDF Reader on Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS. When the application opens a crafted PDF, embedded JavaScript resets the form fields and re-enters the interface while the underlying native object is in a damaged state. The application does not validate the object before making a subsequent function call, leading to a crash and potential arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.
Critical Impact
A specially crafted PDF can trigger memory corruption in Foxit PDF Editor and Reader, enabling attackers to execute code with the privileges of the user opening the document.
Affected Products
- Foxit PDF Editor (multiple versions)
- Foxit PDF Reader (multiple versions)
- Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS host platforms
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-07-08 - CVE-2026-57250 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-07-09 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-57250
Vulnerability Analysis
The flaw is a use-after-free condition triggered by JavaScript embedded in a PDF document. When the document is opened, the script invokes a form reset operation that frees an internal native object representing form state. The script then re-enters the interface and issues another call that dereferences the freed object. Because the application never validates that the native object is still alive, the subsequent function call operates on stale memory.
An attacker who controls the freed allocation can convert the crash into arbitrary code execution. Exploitation requires the victim to open a malicious PDF, which aligns with typical phishing and drive-by download scenarios targeting document readers.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing lifetime validation of a native object bound to a JavaScript form context. The form reset path releases the object, but the script engine retains a reference that becomes dangling. When the interface re-enters and issues a method call on that reference, the application dereferences freed memory, matching the [CWE-416] pattern.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a crafted PDF through email, chat, a compromised website, or a shared file location. When the target opens the file in Foxit PDF Editor or Foxit PDF Reader, the embedded JavaScript executes automatically and triggers the use-after-free. Successful exploitation yields code execution with the privileges of the user running the reader.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code has been verified for this issue. See the Foxit Security Bulletins for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-57250
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes of FoxitPDFEditor.exe or FoxitPDFReader.exe with access-violation exception codes shortly after opening a PDF.
- PDF files containing JavaScript actions that call form reset APIs followed by additional field or interface operations.
- Child processes spawned by the Foxit reader (for example, cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or scripting hosts) following the opening of an untrusted document.
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for process crashes of Foxit binaries correlated with recent PDF file writes in user download or mail attachment directories.
- Inspect PDF attachments at the mail gateway for /JavaScript and /JS objects that invoke resetForm in combination with subsequent field manipulation.
- Alert on any child process creation from Foxit reader binaries, which is unusual under normal document viewing.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable command-line and process-creation logging on endpoints that run Foxit PDF products.
- Forward Windows Error Reporting and macOS crash logs to a central data lake for correlation with document open events.
- Track versions of Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit PDF Reader across the fleet to identify unpatched hosts.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-57250
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit PDF Reader to the fixed versions listed in the vendor advisory.
- Restrict opening of PDF files from untrusted sources until patching is complete.
- Disable JavaScript in Foxit PDF Editor and Reader through the application preferences on unpatched systems.
Patch Information
Foxit has published fixed builds through the Foxit Security Bulletins. Administrators should identify the specific fixed versions for Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit PDF Reader on Windows and macOS and deploy them across managed endpoints.
Workarounds
- Turn off JavaScript execution in Foxit PDF products via Preferences > JavaScript > Enable JavaScript Actions.
- Block or quarantine inbound PDFs containing JavaScript at the email gateway and web proxy.
- Use application allowlisting to prevent Foxit reader binaries from spawning shell or scripting child processes.
# Windows registry example: disable JavaScript in Foxit PDF Reader for all users
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Foxit Software\Foxit PDF Reader\Preferences\JavaScript" /v bJSEnable /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
