# CVE-2017-5556: Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF out-of-bounds read in ConvertToPDF plugin

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2017-5556-foxit-reader-and-phantompdf-out-of-bounds-read-in-converttopdf  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2017-01-23. Updated: 2026-05-13  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2017-5556 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.1 · Published 2017-01-23

Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF are popular applications used to view and edit PDF documents. A vulnerability in the JPEG image processing component allows an attacker to crash the application or potentially steal sensitive information if a user opens a specially crafted file. This could lead to a loss of productivity due to service disruption or be used as a stepping stone for further unauthorized access to the user's system.

Technologies: [Foxit PDF Reader](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/pdf-reader), [Microsoft Windows](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows). Vendors: [Foxit](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/foxit), [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2017-5556 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2017-5556 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2017-5556?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.1, published 23 January 2017.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Foxit Foxit Reader Before 8.2; Foxit PhantomPDF Before 8.2.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2017-5556?** A patch was published on 2017-01-11: Coordinated public release of advisory and fix in version 8.2 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2017-5556 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2017-5556?** Check whether you run Foxit PDF Reader, Foxitsoftware Foxit Reader, Foxitsoftware Phantompdf or one of the others listed. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

An out-of-bounds read vulnerability exists in the ConvertToPDF plugin of Foxit Reader and PhantomPDF when processing JPEG images. The flaw is triggered when the application fails to properly validate user-supplied data within a JPEG file, leading to a read past the end of an allocated buffer. While the primary impact is an application crash (denial of service), the out-of-bounds read can also result in the disclosure of sensitive memory information. An attacker could potentially chain this with other vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution. Exploitation requires a user to open a malicious JPEG or visit a page containing one. The issue is addressed in version 8.2.

## Affected products

- Foxit Foxit Reader Before 8.2
- Foxit PhantomPDF Before 8.2

## Timeline

- 2016-12-01: disclosed: Vulnerability reported to vendor
- 2017-01-11: patched: Coordinated public release of advisory and fix in version 8.2
- 2017-01-23: advisory: NVD published date

## References

- [http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95353](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95353)
- [http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-17-039/](http://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-17-039/)
- [https://www.foxitsoftware.com/support/security-bulletins.php](https://www.foxitsoftware.com/support/security-bulletins.php)

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