CVE-2007-5663 in Acrobat
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.1.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file that calls an insecure JavaScript method in the EScript.api plug-in. NOTE: this issue might be subsumed by CVE-2008-0655.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 8.1.1 and earlier contain a critical remote code execution vulnerability that stems from improper input validation within the EScript.api plug-in. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of JavaScript methods within PDF documents, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can craft specially formatted PDF files to exploit the flaw. The issue resides in the insecure execution of JavaScript commands that should normally be restricted or properly sanitized before processing.
The technical flaw manifests when the vulnerable software processes a PDF file containing crafted JavaScript code that invokes insecure methods within the EScript.api plug-in. This plug-in interface lacks proper validation mechanisms to prevent execution of potentially dangerous JavaScript commands, allowing attackers to bypass normal security restrictions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and represents a classic code injection flaw that enables arbitrary code execution in the context of the running application.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on Adobe Reader for document viewing, as it allows remote attackers to execute malicious code on target systems without user interaction. The attack requires only the delivery of a malicious PDF file, which can be accomplished through email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. Once executed, the malicious code can perform actions such as installing malware, modifying system files, or establishing persistence mechanisms, effectively compromising the entire system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of Adobe Reader across enterprise environments.
The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and T1203, "Exploitation of Remote Services," as it leverages a remote code execution flaw in a widely used application. Organizations should consider implementing multiple layers of defense including network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious PDF content, email filtering solutions that block potentially malicious attachments, and endpoint protection mechanisms that monitor for suspicious JavaScript execution patterns. Additionally, regular patch management processes should be prioritized to ensure timely deployment of Adobe's security updates.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability may be subsumed by CVE-2008-0655, indicating that Adobe likely addressed the underlying issue in subsequent patches. However, organizations must remain vigilant about legacy systems that may not have received proper updates, as these vulnerable installations continue to pose significant risks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and sandboxing mechanisms in document processing applications, particularly those that execute scripting languages. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted PDF files and establish security awareness training to help users identify potentially malicious content.
The remediation approach requires immediate deployment of Adobe's official patches and updates, as well as implementation of network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable systems. Regular security assessments should include verification of Adobe Reader installations and configuration settings to ensure that JavaScript execution is properly restricted. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain incident response capabilities specifically designed for handling Adobe Reader-related security incidents. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping document processing software up-to-date and implementing comprehensive security controls around widely used applications that handle untrusted content.