CVE-2021-38574Network attack vector

Database alteration via appended SQL code

Published Aug 11, 2021 · Updated Aug 4, 2024

SQL injection in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4 allows remote attackers to alter application databases via crafted string data. The vulnerable database operation treats code appended to a processed string as SQL, allowing database inserts or deletions. Foxit does not identify the affected function or input channel; NVD rates the path as network-accessible without authentication or user interaction.

CVSS severity9.8
Critical
EPSS probability0.99%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

SQL injection in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4 allows remote attackers to alter application databases via crafted string data. The vulnerable database operation treats code appended to a processed string as SQL, allowing database inserts or deletions. Foxit does not identify the affected function or input channel; NVD rates the path as network-accessible without authentication or user interaction.

The record

CVE
CVE-2021-38574
Published
Aug 11, 2021
Updated
Aug 4, 2024
Vendor
Unknown vendor
Product
Unknown product
Classifications
CWE-89
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Aug 11, 2021CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Aug 4, 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

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

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.

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No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitUnconfirmed

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-89Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command

Public exploit references

No public exploit references are available in this record.

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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