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CVE-2021-41780: Foxit PDF Reader before 11.1 and PDF Editor before 11.1, and PhantomPDF before 10.1.6, allow attackers to trig

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This month
HIGH 7.8UPGRADEUPGRADEUPGRADE

CVE-2021-41780 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting pdf editor, pdf reader, phantompdf. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Foxit PDF Reader before 11.1 and PDF Editor before 11.1, and PhantomPDF before 10.1.6, allow attackers to trigger a use-after-free and execute arbitrary code because JavaScript is mishandled.

Why this priority

  • High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score7.8 (High)
Attack vectorLocal
Attack complexityLow
Privileges neededNone
User interactionRequired
EPSS exploit chance0.8% (top 44%)
CISA exploited listNo
WeaknessCWE-416
Published2022-08-29
Last modified2026-06-17
Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: foxit

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

foxit pdf editor UPGRADE
Affected: >= 11.0 and < 11.1
Fixed in: 11.1
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 11.0
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy pdf-editor || rpm -q pdf-editor || pdf-editor --version
2. UPGRADE to 11.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade pdf-editor
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade pdf-editor
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 11.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison pdf-editor sudo apt install pdf-editor=<VERSION_BEFORE_11.0> sudo apt-mark hold pdf-editor
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list pdf-editor sudo dnf downgrade pdf-editor-<VERSION_BEFORE_11.0> sudo dnf versionlock add pdf-editor
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.
foxit pdf reader UPGRADE
Affected: >= 11.0 and < 11.1
Fixed in: 11.1
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 11.0
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy pdf-reader || rpm -q pdf-reader || pdf-reader --version
2. UPGRADE to 11.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade pdf-reader
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade pdf-reader
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 11.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison pdf-reader sudo apt install pdf-reader=<VERSION_BEFORE_11.0> sudo apt-mark hold pdf-reader
3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list pdf-reader sudo dnf downgrade pdf-reader-<VERSION_BEFORE_11.0> sudo dnf versionlock add pdf-reader
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.
foxit phantompdf UPGRADE
Affected: < 10.1.6
Fixed in: 10.1.6
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy phantompdf || rpm -q phantompdf || phantompdf --version
2. UPGRADE to 10.1.6 (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.
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-2021-41780?

pdf editor: upgrade to 11.1; pdf reader: upgrade to 11.1; phantompdf: upgrade to 10.1.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-41780 being exploited?

CVE-2021-41780 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-2021-41780 affect?

CVE-2021-41780 affects pdf editor, pdf reader, phantompdf. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Foxit PDF Reader before 11.1 and PDF Editor before 11.1, and PhantomPDF before 10.1.6, allow attackers to trigger a use-after-free and execute arbitrary code because JavaScript is mishandled.

How urgent is CVE-2021-41780?

Priority 41/100. High severity

Related CVEs

References

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