How severe is CVE-2021-45979?

CVE-2021-45979 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-45979 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (72nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-45979?

CVE-2021-45979 primarily affects Foxit Pdf Editor. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-45979?

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-2021-45979 published?

CVE-2021-45979 was published on 2022-01-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-45979

CVE-2021-45979 is a high-severity vulnerability in Foxit Pdf Editor with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-78.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (72nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-78
Affected product: Foxit Pdf Editor
Published: 2022-01-04
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Foxit PDF Reader and PDF Editor before 11.1 on macOS allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via app.launchURL in the JavaScript API.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-45979?: Foxit PDF Reader and PDF Editor before 11.1 on macOS allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via app.launchURL in the JavaScript API.
How severe is CVE-2021-45979?: CVE-2021-45979 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-45979 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (72nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-45979?: CVE-2021-45979 primarily affects Foxit Pdf Editor. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-45979?: 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-2021-45979 published?: CVE-2021-45979 was published on 2022-01-04 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:foxit:pdf_editor:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:foxit:pdf_reader:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Foxit Pdf Editor

CVE-2022-28104 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Foxit PDF Editor v11.3.1 was discovered to contain an arbitrary file upload vulnerability.
CVE-2022-24955 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Foxit PDF Reader before 11.2.1 and Foxit PDF Editor before 11.2.1 have an Uncontrolled Search Path Element for DLL…
CVE-2022-24954 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): Foxit PDF Reader before 11.2.1 and Foxit PDF Editor before 11.2.1 have a Stack-Based Buffer Overflow related to XFA,…
CVE-2025-13941 — High (CVSS 8.8): A local privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the Foxit PDF Reader/Editor Update Service. During plugin…
CVE-2024-49576 — High (CVSS 8.8): A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the way Foxit Reader 2024.3.0.26795 handles a checkbox CBF_Widget object. A…
CVE-2024-47810 — High (CVSS 8.8): A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the way Foxit Reader 2024.3.0.26795 handles a 3D page object. A specially…

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