Security News 20 Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities Patched in Foxit PDF Reader and Editor

[Parkinsond]

Content source

https://cybersecuritynews.com/foxit-pdf-reader-and-editor-vulnerabilities/

The fixes arrive in the July 8, 2026 security release and cover multiple Windows and macOS versions, with several flaws rated Important and capable of arbitrary code execution.


Many of the flaws can be triggered by specially crafted PDF files, including those containing embedded JavaScript, abnormal annotations, malformed page trees, corrupted signature fields, or deceptive XDP content.

Foxit also patched a local privilege escalation issue in the update mechanism, in which the service could load malicious DLLs or executables with elevated privileges during update checks.

20 Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities Patched in Foxit PDF Reader and Editor

Foxit has patched 20 remote code execution vulnerabilities in PDF Reader and PDF Editor, urging users to update immediately.

cybersecuritynews.com

 

[Divine_Barakah]

These 20 vulnerabilities are triggered by specially crafted PDF files containing embedded JavaScript. A user does not install an executable. They simply open a document

 

[Parkinsond]

These 20 vulnerabilities are triggered by specially crafted PDF files containing embedded JavaScript. A user does not install an executable. They simply open a document

I always disable javascript execution in settings with any pdf reader I use; the reason I prefer to use a dedicated pdf reader than a browser for opening pdf files.

 

[Sampei.Nihira]

That's not all.
The historian points out that Foxit is becoming increasingly insecure to use compared to other software:

https://www.cvedetails.com/product/16993/Foxitsoftware-Foxit-Reader.html?vendor_id=7654

https://www.cvedetails.com/vendor/21018/


And today, with AI, it's “easy” to find exploitable remote bugs that haven't yet been detected.

 

[Parkinsond]

That's not all.
The historian points out that Foxit is becoming increasingly insecure to use compared to other software:

https://www.cvedetails.com/product/16993/Foxitsoftware-Foxit-Reader.html?vendor_id=7654

https://www.cvedetails.com/vendor/21018/


And today, with AI, it's “easy” to find exploitable remote bugs that haven't yet been detected.

I stopped using any Chinese software, regardless of their vulnerabilities or how good they work.
All the time they are showing some sneaky behavior; Foxit, WPS office, ect.

 

[stonjean633]

I always disable javascript execution in settings with any pdf reader I use; the reason I prefer to use a dedicated pdf reader than a browser for opening pdf files.

Same principle with Macros on MS Office. It auto-executes the malware once the doc is opened.

 

[Parkinsond]

Same principle with Macros on MS Office. It auto-executes the malware once the doc is opened.

The more features you need, the more vulnerable you are.

 

[Divine_Barakah]

I always disable javascript execution in settings with any pdf reader I use; the reason I prefer to use a dedicated pdf reader than a browser for opening pdf files.

Or simply use a simple PDF reader that does not support JavaScript in the first place.

Honestly, I download a lot of PDF files for my study and this is a nightmare, but I believe OSA has got this covered.

 

[Divine_Barakah]

Same principle with Macros on MS Office. It auto-executes the malware once the doc is opened.

But I believe MS has protection against this. This does not happen unless you click "edit" In the top banner, right?

 

[Parkinsond]

Or simply use a simple PDF reader that does not support JavaScript in the first place

Tried Sumatra; ugly UI and limited features including editing.

 

[Divine_Barakah]

Tried Sumatra; ugly UI and limited features including editing.

For editing I'm using Wondershare on one device and Swifdoo on the other and I am not happy with either of the two.

I hate paying subscriptions and I prefer a one-time payment. I will see if PDF Xchnage offers student discounts.

 

[Parkinsond]

I will see if PDF Xchnage offers student

I use pdf-xchange free tier; fast, stable, configurable, more features than I may need.

 

[stonjean633]

But I believe MS has protection against this. This does not happen unless you click "edit" In the top banner, right?

Yes there is. Configure Office to have Macros disabled by default.

 

[stonjean633]

The more features you need, the more vulnerable you are.

Yes true. That's why security 101. If you don't need that feature or service,always uninstall or disable.