CVE-2010-0203 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.x before 9.3.2, and 8.x before 8.2.2 on Windows and Mac OS X, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-0198, CVE-2010-0199, and CVE-2010-0202.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2018
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to 9.3.2 and 8.2.2 respectively, across both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. The issue stems from improper input validation within the software's handling of malformed data structures, creating a condition where an attacker can manipulate memory allocation processes through unspecified attack vectors. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the memory management mechanisms used by Adobe's PDF rendering engine, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through standard PDF document processing activities. This flaw is distinct from other related vulnerabilities including CVE-2010-0198, CVE-2010-0199, and CVE-2010-0202, indicating it represents a unique code path or implementation weakness within the software architecture.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may also relate to CWE-122 for heap-based buffer overflows depending on the specific memory corruption pattern. The attack typically involves crafting a malicious PDF document that, when opened by an affected version of Adobe Reader or Acrobat, triggers the buffer overflow condition during parsing operations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful manipulation of memory layout and can be classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a code injection technique with potential for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise when exploited successfully. Organizations relying on Adobe Reader for document processing face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users may encounter untrusted PDF content from email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. The vulnerability affects a widely used software application, making it a prime target for exploit development and increasing the likelihood of successful attacks. Security professionals must consider the potential for this vulnerability to be leveraged in advanced persistent threat campaigns or as part of broader attack chains that may include initial access vectors such as spear phishing or social engineering. The widespread deployment of affected software versions across enterprise environments creates a substantial attack surface that requires immediate remediation.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy includes deploying the official security patches released by Adobe for versions 9.3.2 and 8.2.2 respectively, while maintaining strict document validation policies for incoming PDF files. Network security controls such as PDF content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms should be implemented to provide additional layers of protection. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual PDF processing activities or attempts to access vulnerable software versions. The vulnerability's classification as a critical risk warrants inclusion in regular vulnerability management processes and may require temporary disablement of PDF processing capabilities in high-risk environments until proper patching is completed. Additionally, user education regarding safe PDF handling practices and the importance of keeping software up to date remains essential for comprehensive defense against this and similar threats.