CVE-2008-0726 in Acrobat
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.1.1 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted arguments to the printSepsWithParams, which triggers memory corruption.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0726 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 8.1.1 and earlier. This security defect resides in the printSepsWithParams function which processes print parameters within the PDF rendering engine. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate integer values during memory allocation operations, creating a condition where maliciously crafted arguments can cause the system to allocate insufficient memory for subsequent operations. Such improper handling of integer values leads to memory corruption that can be exploited by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic integer overflow scenario where input parameters are processed without adequate bounds checking. When the printSepsWithParams function receives crafted arguments, it performs calculations that exceed the maximum representable value for the integer data type, causing the value to wrap around to a much smaller number. This wraparound results in a buffer that is significantly smaller than anticipated, creating memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the memory management subsystem within Adobe's PDF processing libraries, where the application allocates memory based on calculated values derived from user-supplied parameters.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Adobe Reader and Acrobat for document processing. Remote attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious PDF documents or print parameters that trigger the vulnerable code path without requiring user interaction beyond opening the document. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be delivered through email attachments, web downloads, or any mechanism that allows PDF content to be processed by vulnerable applications. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software, potentially allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including prompt patching of Adobe Reader and Acrobat to versions 8.1.2 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed. The fix involves proper bounds checking and integer validation within the printSepsWithParams function to prevent overflow conditions during memory allocation. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based protections such as content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted PDF documents and the importance of keeping software up to date. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1203, Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for both defensive and proactive security measures. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that patched versions maintain proper functionality while eliminating the integer overflow condition that enabled the exploitation.