How severe is CVE-2023-39542?

CVE-2023-39542 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-2023-39542 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (87th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-39542?

CVE-2023-39542 affects Foxitsoftware Foxit Reader. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-39542?

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-2023-39542 published?

CVE-2023-39542 was published on 2023-11-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-39542

CVE-2023-39542 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-610.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (87th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-610
Affected product: Foxitsoftware Foxit Reader
Published: 2023-11-27
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

A code execution vulnerability exists in the Javascript saveAs API of Foxit Reader 12.1.3.15356. A specially crafted malformed file can create arbitrary files, which can lead to remote 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-2023-39542?: A code execution vulnerability exists in the Javascript saveAs API of Foxit Reader 12.1.3.15356. A specially crafted malformed file can create arbitrary files, which can lead to remote 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-2023-39542?: CVE-2023-39542 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-2023-39542 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (87th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-39542?: CVE-2023-39542 affects Foxitsoftware Foxit Reader. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-39542?: 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-2023-39542 published?: CVE-2023-39542 was published on 2023-11-27 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:foxitsoftware:foxit_reader:12.1.3.15356:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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