CVE-2020-15638: This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit Phanto

Q: How do I fix CVE-2020-15638?

phantompdf: upgrade to newer than 10.0.0.35798; reader: upgrade to newer than 10.0.0.35798. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2020-15638 being exploited?

CVE-2020-15638 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2020-15638 affect?

CVE-2020-15638 affects phantompdf, reader. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PhantomPDF 9.7.2.29539. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or ope

Q: How urgent is CVE-2020-15638?

Priority 51/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited

This month

HIGH 7.8UPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2020-15638 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting phantompdf, reader. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PhantomPDF 9.7.2.29539. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file. The specific flaw exists within the NodeProperties::InferReceiverMapsUnsafe method. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a type con

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	6.1% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-843
Published	2020-08-20
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Zero Day Initiative · Vendor: foxitsoftware

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-08-20 01:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 02:56 UTCUpdated Record last modified

foxitsoftware phantompdf UPGRADE

Affected: <= 10.0.0.35798

Fixed in: newer than 10.0.0.35798

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy phantompdf || rpm -q phantompdf || phantompdf --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 10.0.0.35798 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade phantompdf

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade phantompdf

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

foxitsoftware reader UPGRADE

Affected: <= 10.0.0.35798

Fixed in: newer than 10.0.0.35798

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy reader || rpm -q reader || reader --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 10.0.0.35798 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade reader

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade reader

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2020-15638?

phantompdf: upgrade to newer than 10.0.0.35798; reader: upgrade to newer than 10.0.0.35798. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2020-15638 being exploited?

CVE-2020-15638 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2020-15638 affect?

CVE-2020-15638 affects phantompdf, reader. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit PhantomPDF 9.7.2.29539. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or ope

How urgent is CVE-2020-15638?

Priority 51/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited

Related CVEs

CVE-2022-25641 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE UPGRADE Foxit PDF Reader before 11.2.2 and PDF Editor before 11.2.2, and PhantomPDF before 10.1.8, mishandle cross-ref
CVE-2021-41785 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE Foxit PDF Reader before 11.1 and PDF Editor before 11.1, and PhantomPDF before 10.1.6, allow attackers to trig
CVE-2021-41784 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE Foxit PDF Reader before 11.1 and PDF Editor before 11.1, and PhantomPDF before 10.1.6, allow attackers to trig
CVE-2021-41783 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE Foxit PDF Reader before 11.1 and PDF Editor before 11.1, and PhantomPDF before 10.1.6, allow attackers to trig
CVE-2021-41782 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE Foxit PDF Reader before 11.1 and PDF Editor before 11.1, and PhantomPDF before 10.1.6, allow attackers to trig

References

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