CVE-2018-21244Network attack vector

Arbitrary application execution via embedded portfolio executables

Published Jun 4, 2020 · Updated Aug 5, 2024

Arbitrary application execution in Foxit PhantomPDF before 8.3.6 allows attackers to run executables embedded in PDF portfolios. The portfolio handler accepts executable attachments and exposes them for execution instead of restricting dangerous embedded file types. Public sources do not state whether opening the portfolio triggers execution or whether the embedded file must be activated.

CVSS severity9.8
Critical
EPSS probability1.81%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Arbitrary application execution in Foxit PhantomPDF before 8.3.6 allows attackers to run executables embedded in PDF portfolios. The portfolio handler accepts executable attachments and exposes them for execution instead of restricting dangerous embedded file types. Public sources do not state whether opening the portfolio triggers execution or whether the embedded file must be activated.

The record

CVE
CVE-2018-21244
Published
Jun 4, 2020
Updated
Aug 5, 2024
Vendor
Unknown vendor
Product
Unknown product
Classifications
CWE-434
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Jun 4, 2020CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Aug 5, 2024Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Affected buildAffected product and version details are unavailable.

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

Affected products and versions are unavailable in this record.

Published CVSS scores

7.5NIST NVDAV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
9.8NIST NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 9, 2026Sep 15, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 15, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-434Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

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Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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