CVE-2021-31451: This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit Reader

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HIGH 7.8UPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2021-31451 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting foxit reader, phantompdf. 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 Reader 10.1.1.37576. 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 handling of Annotation objects. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An att

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 9%: 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	4.4% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-416
Published	2021-05-07
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

2021-05-07 21:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 03:51 UTCUpdated Record last modified

foxitsoftware foxit reader UPGRADE

Affected: <= 10.1.3.37598

Fixed in: newer than 10.1.3.37598

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 10.1.3.37598 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade foxit-reader

Note

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

foxitsoftware phantompdf UPGRADE

Affected: <= 9.7.5.29616 · >= 10.0.0.0 and <= 10.1.3.37598

Fixed in: newer than 10.1.3.37598

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 10.0.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 10.1.3.37598 (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.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 10.0.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison phantompdf sudo apt install phantompdf=<VERSION_BEFORE_10.0.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold phantompdf

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list phantompdf sudo dnf downgrade phantompdf-<VERSION_BEFORE_10.0.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add phantompdf

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

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-2021-31451?

foxit reader: upgrade to newer than 10.1.3.37598; phantompdf: upgrade to newer than 10.1.3.37598. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-31451 being exploited?

CVE-2021-31451 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-2021-31451 affect?

CVE-2021-31451 affects foxit reader, phantompdf. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Foxit Reader 10.1.1.37576. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a

How urgent is CVE-2021-31451?

Priority 50/100. High severity; EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited

Related CVEs

CVE-2022-43310 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE An Uncontrolled Search Path Element in Foxit Software released Foxit Reader v11.2.118.51569 allows attackers t
CVE-2021-38574 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4
CVE-2021-38573 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4
CVE-2021-38572 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4
CVE-2021-38571 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE UPGRADE An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4

References

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