CVE-2005-1306 in Acrobat
Summary
by MITRE
The Adobe Reader control in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 7.0 and 7.0.1 allows remote attackers to determine the existence of files via Javascript containing XML script, aka the "XML External Entity vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1306 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 7.0 and 7.0.1 that specifically targets the XML parsing functionality within the JavaScript engine. This issue manifests through the improper handling of XML external entity references, creating a pathway for remote attackers to perform unauthorized file system reconnaissance. The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper input validation and sanitization when processing XML content within JavaScript code, allowing malicious actors to craft specially formatted XML scripts that can probe the underlying file system structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the Adobe Reader control's handling of XML documents that contain external entity declarations. When a JavaScript-enabled XML script is processed, the system attempts to resolve external entities without adequate restrictions, enabling attackers to construct requests that can reveal whether specific files or directories exist on the target system. This information disclosure capability operates through the XML parser's behavior when encountering external entity references, where the parser attempts to fetch and process external resources, inadvertently exposing file system information to remote attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. By determining the existence of specific files, attackers can map the target system's file structure, identify sensitive documents, and potentially locate system-specific resources that could aid in further exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-611, which describes improper restriction of XML external entity reference, and represents a classic example of how XML processing can create security risks when external entity resolution is not properly controlled. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed remotely through web-based content, making it accessible to attackers without requiring local system access or physical presence.
From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all XML processing activities, particularly within applications that handle user-provided content. Organizations should implement strict XML parsing configurations that disable external entity resolution and DTD processing to prevent similar issues. The remediation approach involves updating to patched versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat, as well as implementing network-level controls to restrict access to potentially malicious content. This vulnerability demonstrates the necessity of following secure coding practices and adheres to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution, where adversaries leverage scripting languages to perform reconnaissance activities. The incident underscores the critical need for regular security updates and the implementation of security controls that prevent unauthorized file system enumeration through XML processing mechanisms.