CVE-2007-5659 in Acrobat
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.1.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PDF file with long arguments to unspecified JavaScript methods. NOTE: this issue might be subsumed by CVE-2008-0655.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 8.1.1 and earlier contain multiple buffer overflow vulnerabilities that enable remote code execution through maliciously crafted PDF files. These vulnerabilities specifically affect JavaScript methods that process long argument strings without proper bounds checking, creating exploitable conditions where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw occurs when the application fails to validate the length of JavaScript arguments passed to unspecified methods, allowing attackers to craft PDF documents that trigger buffer overflows during script execution. This vulnerability represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The attack vector requires a user to open a specially crafted PDF file, making social engineering a critical component of successful exploitation. These vulnerabilities fall under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized under the broader weakness of buffer overflow conditions that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The technical implementation involves JavaScript engine memory management failures where insufficient input validation permits memory corruption during argument processing. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on Adobe Reader for document viewing, as it allows remote attackers to gain complete system control without requiring user interaction beyond opening the malicious document. The exploitation can lead to privilege escalation, data theft, and persistent backdoor installation within the victim environment. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability may be subsumed by CVE-2008-0655, indicating overlapping or related exploitation vectors that could affect similar or identical attack surfaces. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, with potential T1068 Local Privilege Escalation and T1566 Phishing techniques as part of the exploitation chain. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions and implement PDF file scanning mechanisms as additional defensive measures. Network-based mitigation strategies including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious PDF files before they reach end users. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and memory safety in application design, particularly in document processing software that handles untrusted content from external sources. Proper bounds checking and secure coding practices should be implemented to prevent similar issues in future software releases, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing of scripting engines and memory management functions.