How severe is CVE-2023-38573?

CVE-2023-38573 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-2023-38573 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (77th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-38573?

CVE-2023-38573 affects Foxitsoftware Foxit Reader. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-38573?

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-2023-38573 published?

CVE-2023-38573 was published on 2023-11-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-38573

CVE-2023-38573 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)
EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (77th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-416
Affected product: Foxitsoftware Foxit Reader
Published: 2023-11-27
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the way Foxit Reader 12.1.2.15356 handles a signature field. A specially crafted Javascript code inside a malicious PDF document can trigger reuse of a previously freed object, which can lead to memory corruption and result in arbitrary code execution. An attacker needs to trick the user into opening the malicious file to trigger this vulnerability. Exploitation is also possible if a user visits a specially crafted, malicious site if the browser plugin extension is enabled.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-38573?: A use-after-free vulnerability exists in the way Foxit Reader 12.1.2.15356 handles a signature field. A specially crafted Javascript code inside a malicious PDF document can trigger reuse of a previously freed object, which can lead to memory corruption and result in arbitrary code execution. An attacker needs to trick the user into opening the malicious file to trigger this vulnerability. Exploitation is also possible if a user visits a specially crafted, malicious site if the browser plugin extension is enabled.
How severe is CVE-2023-38573?: CVE-2023-38573 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-2023-38573 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (77th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-38573?: CVE-2023-38573 affects Foxitsoftware Foxit Reader. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-38573?: 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-2023-38573 published?: CVE-2023-38573 was published on 2023-11-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:foxitsoftware:foxit_reader:12.1.2.15356:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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