CVE-2021-38571: An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4

Routine

HIGH 7.8UPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2021-38571 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.

An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4. It allows DLL hijacking, aka CNVD-C-2021-68000 and CNVD-C-2021-68502.

Why this priority

High severity

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	0.5% (top 54%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-427
Published	2021-08-11
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: foxitsoftware

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2021-08-11 22:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

foxitsoftware foxit reader UPGRADE

Affected: < 10.1.4

Fixed in: 10.1.4

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 10.1.4 (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 < 10.1.4

Fixed in: 9.7.5.29616, 10.1.4

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 9.7.5.29616 (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-2021-38571?

foxit reader: upgrade to 10.1.4; phantompdf: upgrade to 9.7.5.29616, 10.1.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-38571 being exploited?

CVE-2021-38571 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-2021-38571 affect?

CVE-2021-38571 affects foxit reader, phantompdf. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4. It allows DLL hijacking, aka CNVD-C-2021-68000 and CNVD-C-2021-68502.

How urgent is CVE-2021-38571?

Priority 39/100. High severity

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-2021-38570 CRITICAL 9.1 UPGRADE UPGRADE An issue was discovered in Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF before 10.1.4

References

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