Foxit Reader Security

[markck01]

I would like to use FoxitReader as an alternative to the bloated and frequently updated Adobe Reader.

However, one of the reasons Adobe update their reader so often is because of security vulnerabilities. If I understand correctly it is possible to create a pdf file that can compromise any PC it is read on.

My question is: can Foxit Reader be affected by the same vulnerabilities as Adobe Reader? If yes, does Foxit need updating just as often as Adobe?

Thanks for any feedback...

[RetroX]

Security holes are used trough exploits. An exploit is a simple bit of code wich causes a program to crash when it has some bad programmed functions. Due to the crash an exploit can execute some code. In most cases these exploits are found in memory allocation issues or inside compression engines.

Since there are many, many exploits, a lot of different versions (adobe's and foxit's) as different operating systems it is not simply to say if foxit is fully secure. However, since foxit is a basic program without a lot of bu***it the risk of bad code is less then adobe's. Also the way foxit reads it pdf source is different from adobe so i dont think the common exploits for adobe work on foxit.

If you really think security is a big issue then move to BSD or Linux with a firewall inside your router and use only SSL connections. But the best advise (wich i proffesionly give out daily) is to use common sense. If a file is called: OpenMeToWin100000000millionDollarAndSeeALotOfFreeP *rn.pdf then you should realise there is something fishy about that file its recommended not to open it.

For those who want the quick version:
1. I think Foxit Reader is safer than Adobe's Acrobad Reader
2. Use your common sense when you think of security

[markck01]

Thanks for the reply which helps convince me that Foxit is the way to go.

I guess another advantage is that to upgrade to a new version of Foxit only needs a quick download of the latest .exe file and it's done whereas Adobe needs a download of 11MB (for the latest update), 5 minutes to install and a reboot!

Thanks again...

[Nachtklavier]

A firewall doesn't protect your computer if root privileges are the target of an exploit.
Just don't trust anybody you don't know and never open files you don't expect and webpages pointing to suspicious addresses.

[Bernd Boot]

But remember, that PDF security itself (e.g. write-permission) will be ignored by Foxit Reader. Adobe (full version) will not allow you to write into a documnt without owner (author) password - foxit allows you to write into the document with user (reader) password. If you need the PDF Reader in a secure environment, don't use Foxit.

[arthur]

Basically, Foxit Reader use a totally different code base from Adobe. It is pretty safe to use. RetroX got our point.
@Bernard Boot: Currently, Foxit Reader won't allow users to save any modification to PDFs with password protection of any kind. User can only type on it and print out the result for most. All PDFs with password will still be strictly kept as they were, i.e. Foxit won't change your PDFs by any means for password protected PDFs.