CVE-2016-8856

Name: CVE-2016-8856
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2016-10-31T10:59:09.38+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 0.82%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-8856 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. Foxit Reader for Mac 2.1.0.0804 and earlier and Foxit Reader for Linux 2.1.0.0805 and earlier suffered from a vulnerability where weak file permissions could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code. After the installation, Foxit Reader's core files were world-writable by default, allowing an attacker to overwrite them with backdoor code, which when executed by privileged user would result in Privilege Escalation, Code Execution, or both.. EPSS estimates a 0.82% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Foxit Reader for Mac 2.1.0.0804 and earlier and Foxit Reader for Linux 2.1.0.0805 and earlier suffered from a vulnerability where weak file permissions could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code. After the installation, Foxit Reader's core files were world-writable by default, allowing an attacker to overwrite them with backdoor code, which when executed by privileged user would result in Privilege Escalation, Code Execution, or both.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

0.82%

52.6th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-275

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Foxitsoftware	Reader	<= 2.1.0.0804
Foxitsoftware	Reader	<= 2.1.0.0805

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93608Technical Description, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037101
https://www.foxitsoftware.com/support/security-bulletins.phpPatch, Vendor Advisory
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/93608Technical Description, VDB Entry
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1037101
https://www.foxitsoftware.com/support/security-bulletins.phpPatch, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Oct 31, 2016
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-8856?

How severe is CVE-2016-8856?

Severity scoring for CVE-2016-8856 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 0.82% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2016-8856?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2016-8856?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST