CVE-2010-2206 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in AcroForm.api in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.x before 9.3.3, and 8.x before 8.2.3 on Windows and Mac OS X, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted GIF image in a PDF file, which bypasses a size check and triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2206 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to 9.3.3 and 8.2.3 respectively. This flaw exists within the AcroForm.api component responsible for processing form data within PDF documents. The vulnerability specifically manifests when processing GIF images embedded within PDF files, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate array indexing operations to trigger unauthorized code execution. The flaw demonstrates characteristics of a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that has been classified under CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though the heap-based nature of this particular implementation requires specific attention to memory management practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability begins with the crafting of a malicious GIF image that is embedded within a PDF document. When Adobe Reader or Acrobat processes this document, the software's handling of the GIF image triggers an array index error within the AcroForm.api module. This error bypasses existing size validation checks that should normally prevent oversized data from being processed, allowing an attacker to manipulate heap memory allocation patterns. The vulnerability operates through a specific sequence where the software fails to properly validate the bounds of array indices when processing image data, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework category of TA0002 (Execution) with techniques such as T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) potentially being employed in subsequent exploitation phases.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to gain complete control over the affected system. The heap-based buffer overflow creates opportunities for privilege escalation and persistent access to compromised systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish backdoors within corporate networks where Adobe Reader is commonly used for document processing. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that victims can be compromised simply by opening a malicious PDF document, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns and targeted attacks. Organizations relying on Adobe Reader for document viewing face significant risk, especially in environments where users frequently open PDF files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's presence in both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems indicates a widespread impact that affects multiple platform architectures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2206 require immediate patch deployment to update Adobe Reader and Acrobat to versions 9.3.3 or later for 9.x releases, and 8.2.3 or later for 8.x releases. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all endpoints receive updates promptly. Additional protective measures include deploying PDF content filtering solutions that can detect and block potentially malicious GIF images within PDF documents. Network security controls such as web application firewalls and email filtering systems should be configured to scan PDF attachments for suspicious content. Organizations should consider implementing sandboxing technologies for PDF processing to isolate potentially malicious documents from critical systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly benign file formats like GIF images can be weaponized through sophisticated attack vectors. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify unpatched systems that may be vulnerable to similar exploitation techniques. The incident underscores the necessity of layered security approaches that combine multiple defense-in-depth strategies to protect against complex attack scenarios involving document-based exploits.