CVE-2001-1069 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
libCoolType library as used in Adobe Acrobat (acroread) on Linux creates the AdobeFnt.lst file with world-writable permissions, which allows local users to modify the file and possibly modify acroread s behavior.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1069 represents a significant security flaw within the Adobe Acrobat reader implementation on Linux systems through the libCoolType library. This issue stems from improper permission handling during file creation processes, creating a persistent security risk that affects numerous users running the affected software. The vulnerability specifically targets the AdobeFnt.lst file which is generated during the operation of acroread, establishing a potential attack vector that could be exploited by local malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests in the libCoolType library's failure to properly set file permissions when creating the AdobeFnt.lst file. This library serves as a font handling component within Adobe Acrobat's rendering engine, and when it creates this particular file, it defaults to world-writable permissions instead of implementing appropriate security controls. The root cause can be categorized under CWE-732, which describes improper permission assignment for critical system resources, specifically the failure to set appropriate access controls on files that could influence application behavior. This misconfiguration allows any local user to modify the file content, fundamentally undermining the security posture of the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file modification capabilities, as it provides attackers with the means to potentially alter the behavior of acroread itself. By modifying the AdobeFnt.lst file, an attacker could inject malicious font references or alter existing font configurations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation scenarios. The implications are particularly concerning in multi-user environments where local users might not have legitimate reasons to modify application configuration files. This vulnerability effectively creates a backdoor mechanism that could be exploited to compromise the integrity of the Adobe Acrobat application and potentially the entire system.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1068, which involves exploiting local system privileges to gain elevated access, and T1548.001, which covers abuse of privilege escalation mechanisms. The vulnerability directly enables local privilege escalation by allowing users to modify application configuration files that influence program execution behavior. Recommended mitigations include immediate implementation of proper file permission controls, ensuring that critical configuration files are created with restrictive permissions rather than world-writable settings. System administrators should also implement regular monitoring of file permission changes and consider deploying automated security tools that can detect unauthorized modifications to critical application files. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of local privilege abuse and the importance of maintaining proper system security practices. The vulnerability serves as a prime example of how seemingly minor permission handling flaws can create substantial security risks in enterprise environments.