How severe is CVE-2017-16576?

CVE-2017-16576 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2017-16576 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (83rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2017-16576?

CVE-2017-16576 affects Foxitsoftware Foxit Reader. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2017-16576?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2017-16576 published?

CVE-2017-16576 was published on 2017-12-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2017-16576

CVE-2017-16576 is a high-severity vulnerability in Foxitsoftware Foxit Reader with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-416.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (83rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-416
Affected product: Foxitsoftware Foxit Reader
Published: 2017-12-20
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 8.3.1.21155. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within XFA's field element. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5092.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2017-16576?: This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Foxit Reader 8.3.1.21155. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within XFA's field element. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code under the context of the current process. Was ZDI-CAN-5092.
How severe is CVE-2017-16576?: CVE-2017-16576 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2017-16576 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (83rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2017-16576?: CVE-2017-16576 affects Foxitsoftware Foxit Reader. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2017-16576?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2017-16576 published?: CVE-2017-16576 was published on 2017-12-20 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:foxitsoftware:foxit_reader:8.3.1.21155:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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