CVE-2008-2992 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in Adobe Acrobat and Reader 8.1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PDF file that calls the util.printf JavaScript function with a crafted format string argument, a related issue to CVE-2008-1104.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-2992 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 8.1.2 and earlier. This security issue stems from improper input validation within the JavaScript execution environment of Adobe's PDF processing software. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the util.printf JavaScript function is invoked with a maliciously crafted format string argument, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The flaw operates through the PDF interpreter's handling of format string arguments, which are commonly used for text formatting and output generation within JavaScript contexts. This particular vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign scripting functions can become attack vectors when inadequate bounds checking is implemented in the underlying application code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of format string arguments passed to the util.printf function, which triggers a buffer overflow condition in the application's memory management. When the PDF parser processes a specially crafted document containing this malicious JavaScript call, the format string argument exceeds the allocated buffer space on the stack, causing adjacent memory locations to be overwritten with attacker-controlled data. This overflow enables arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the targeted user running the vulnerable Adobe software. The vulnerability's classification as stack-based indicates that the attack targets the program's call stack, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical stack metadata. The issue is related to CVE-2008-1104, suggesting a broader pattern of format string vulnerabilities within Adobe's JavaScript implementation that affects multiple components of the PDF processing pipeline.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-2992 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities when successful. Remote exploitation allows threat actors to deliver malicious PDF documents through various channels including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with untrusted PDF content. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also organizations that rely on Adobe Acrobat and Reader for document processing, potentially leading to data breaches, system infiltration, and lateral movement within networks. Given that Adobe Reader was widely deployed across enterprise systems, this vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access to critical infrastructure. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond opening a malicious PDF document, making it a preferred attack vector for initial access and privilege escalation in targeted campaigns.
Organizations affected by CVE-2008-2992 should prioritize immediate remediation through official Adobe security patches, as this vulnerability has been widely exploited in the wild. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 9.0 or later, which contain fixes addressing the format string handling issues. Additionally, implementing network-based security controls such as PDF content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider disabling JavaScript execution in PDF documents when not required, as this can significantly reduce the attack surface for this particular vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in application security, aligning with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow conditions that are classified under the broader category of memory safety issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to initial access and execution tactics, particularly leveraging social engineering through malicious document delivery and executing code through application-specific vulnerabilities in commonly used software applications.