Is CVE-2023-38573 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2023-38573 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2023-38573 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2023-38573 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2023-38573?

CVE-2023-38573 has a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH).

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HIGH

CVE-2023-38573

CWE-416Published: November 27, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

8.8

CVSS v3.1

Official 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.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2023-38573 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

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), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 8.8.

From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-416): Use-after-free vulnerabilities involve accessing memory after it has been freed, often enabling arbitrary code execution.