CVE-2005-2470 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in a "core application plug-in" for Adobe Reader 5.1 through 7.0.2 and Acrobat 5.0 through 7.0.2 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2470 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the core application plug-in architecture of Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions ranging from 5.1 through 7.0.2. This security weakness resides in the fundamental processing mechanisms that handle document parsing and rendering operations, specifically affecting the plug-in infrastructure that extends the functionality of these document viewers. The buffer overflow condition occurs when the application fails to properly validate input data length during processing of maliciously crafted documents, creating opportunities for exploitation that can compromise system integrity and availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the core plug-in processing routines, which operate under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-121, known as "Stack-based Buffer Overflow." This particular weakness manifests when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer boundaries, typically occurring during parsing operations of malformed or specially crafted pdf documents. The flaw operates at the intersection of software security and memory management, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical program execution data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of input data that triggers the specific memory corruption scenario within the plug-in architecture.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on Adobe Reader and Acrobat for document processing and distribution. The potential for denial of service attacks means that legitimate users may experience application crashes and system instability, disrupting normal business operations and potentially leading to productivity losses. More critically, the possibility of arbitrary code execution provides attackers with opportunities to gain unauthorized access to systems, escalate privileges, and establish persistent access points within network environments. The vulnerability affects the core application functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through routine document viewing activities, requiring no specialized knowledge or advanced attack techniques from adversaries.
The exploitation vectors for CVE-2005-2470 remain unspecified in the original description, which is characteristic of zero-day vulnerabilities where attackers may leverage multiple approaches including crafted pdf files, embedded malicious content, or manipulated document structures that trigger the buffer overflow during normal application operation. The attack surface expands due to the widespread deployment of Adobe Reader and Acrobat across enterprise environments, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to maximize impact. Organizations implementing mitigation strategies must consider both immediate patching procedures and broader security measures including network segmentation, application whitelisting, and user education to reduce exposure risk. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive vulnerability management processes that address both known and emerging threats within widely deployed software applications.