HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2018-3956
HIGH

CVE-2018-3956

CWE-125Published: January 30, 2019· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

7.1
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

An exploitable out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists in the handling of certain XFA element attributes of Foxit Software's PDF Reader version 9.1.0.5096. A specially crafted PDF document can trigger an out-of-bounds read, which can disclose sensitive memory content and aid in exploitation when coupled with another vulnerability. An attacker needs to trick the user to open the malicious file to trigger this vulnerability. If the browser plugin extension is enabled, visiting a malicious site can also trigger the vulnerability.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2018-3956 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation does not require any privileges, though user interaction (Required) is needed, which slightly reduces the risk of mass automated attacks.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 7.1.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionRequired
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

foxitsoftware2 product(s)
phantompdfreader
Microsoft1 product(s)
windows
Source: NVD CPE · 3 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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Official Patches & Advisories

All References (2)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2018-3956
CVSS Score7.1 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessCWE-125
CISA KEVNo
Affected2 vendor(s)
PublishedJan 30, 2019

Related CVEs (CWE-125)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2018-3956 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWatch. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.