CVE-2010-0191 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.x before 9.3.2, and 8.x before 8.2.2 on Windows and Mac OS X, allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, related to a "prefix protocol handler vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0191 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to 9.3.2 and 8.2.2 respectively, affecting both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. This vulnerability stems from a prefix protocol handler vulnerability that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems through unspecified attack vectors. The flaw specifically resides in how the software handles certain protocol prefixes within document content, creating a pathway for malicious code execution without user interaction or explicit consent.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-170, which addresses issues related to improper handling of input that could lead to code execution. The prefix protocol handler vulnerability operates by manipulating how the application processes specific protocol identifiers that precede executable content within PDF documents. Attackers can craft malicious PDF files that contain specially formatted protocol handlers which, when processed by the vulnerable Adobe software, trigger unintended code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of protocol handler abuse techniques that have been documented in various attack frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise potential. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to affected systems, potentially leading to data theft, system control, and further network penetration. The widespread deployment of Adobe Reader across enterprise environments amplifies the risk, as a single compromised system could serve as a foothold for broader network attacks. Organizations relying on these vulnerable versions face significant exposure given the software's ubiquity in business and government sectors where PDF documents are routinely processed and shared.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0191 require immediate patch deployment as the primary defense mechanism, with Adobe releasing version 9.3.2 and 8.2.2 to address the specific prefix protocol handler vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected installations receive updates promptly. Additional protective measures include implementing PDF content filtering solutions that can identify and block suspicious protocol handlers, disabling unnecessary protocol handlers within Adobe Reader configuration, and employing network-based security controls such as web application firewalls to monitor and filter PDF document traffic. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the dangers of opening untrusted PDF documents, particularly those received via email or downloaded from unverified sources, as social engineering remains a common attack vector for exploiting such vulnerabilities.