CVE-2010-1278 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Atlcom.get_atlcom ActiveX control in gp.ocx in Adobe Download Manager, as used in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.x before 8.2 and 9.x before 9.3, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1278 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Atlcom.get_atlcom ActiveX control component of Adobe Download Manager. This specific ActiveX control is embedded within the gp.ocx library and serves as a core component of Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions 8.x prior to 8.2 and 9.x prior to 9.3. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the ActiveX control's parameter handling routines, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically manifests when the ActiveX control processes unspecified parameters, indicating that the vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking and memory management within the control's implementation.
This buffer overflow vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution without requiring local system access, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to compromise systems. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is significantly enhanced by the widespread deployment of Adobe Reader and Acrobat across enterprise and consumer environments, creating a large attack surface. Attackers can craft malicious web pages or documents that trigger the vulnerable ActiveX control when opened, leading to automatic code execution on the victim's system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within compromised environments. The exploitation typically results in privilege escalation opportunities, allowing attackers to gain elevated system privileges and potentially establish persistent access. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploits for privilege escalation through ActiveX controls and browser-based attacks. The affected software versions represent a critical security gap that could enable attackers to perform reconnaissance, data exfiltration, or establish backdoors on compromised systems, particularly in enterprise environments where Adobe Reader remains widely deployed.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, applying the latest security patches from Adobe, and implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls. The recommended remediation strategy involves updating to Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 8.2 and 9.3 respectively, which contain the necessary fixes for this buffer overflow vulnerability. Security administrators should also consider implementing browser hardening measures that prevent automatic execution of ActiveX controls and establish strict content filtering policies. Additionally, endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious ActiveX control behavior and provide real-time threat detection capabilities to identify potential exploitation attempts.