CVE-2009-0193 in Acrobat
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Acrobat Reader 9 before 9.1, 8 before 8.1.4, and 7 before 7.1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PDF file with a malformed JBIG2 symbol dictionary segment, a different vulnerability than CVE-2009-1061 and CVE-2009-1062.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2018
This heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Adobe Acrobat Reader versions prior to 9.1, 8.1.4, and 7.1.1, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted PDF files. The vulnerability specifically targets the JBIG2 symbol dictionary segment processing functionality within the PDF rendering engine, where improper bounds checking allows attackers to overflow heap memory buffers. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to parse malformed JBIG2 data structures, particularly symbol dictionary segments that exceed expected buffer boundaries. This vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2009-1061 and CVE-2009-1062, indicating separate code paths and implementation issues within the JBIG2 decoding components of the Adobe Reader application. The technical implementation involves heap memory management where insufficient validation of input data lengths leads to memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious PDF documents containing specially constructed JBIG2 symbol dictionary segments that trigger the buffer overflow during document rendering. The exploitation typically requires the victim to open the malicious PDF file within Adobe Reader, making this a classic client-side attack vector that can be delivered via email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow classification and represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is widely deployed. The attack surface is broad as PDF documents are commonly shared across organizations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for targeted attacks against specific users or organizations. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means attackers can initiate attacks without requiring physical access to target systems, making it a preferred vector for advanced persistent threat campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Adobe Reader versions to the latest available releases that contain fixes for the JBIG2 parsing implementation. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all instances of Adobe Reader are updated promptly, as the vulnerability affects multiple major versions of the software. Network-based defenses such as PDF file filtering and content inspection systems can provide additional layers of protection by scanning incoming PDF documents for malformed JBIG2 segments before they reach end-user systems. Security administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of Adobe Reader to trusted environments and disable unnecessary PDF features such as embedded JBIG2 support where possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in software development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other PDF processing applications and ensure comprehensive protection against similar heap-based buffer overflow threats.