CVE-2010-2889 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.x before 9.4, and 8.x before 8.2.5 on Windows and Mac OS X, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted font, a different vulnerability than CVE-2010-3626.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/26/2021
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 9.x before 9.4 and 8.x before 8.2.5 contain an unspecified vulnerability that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted font files. This vulnerability specifically affects Windows and Mac OS X operating systems and represents a distinct issue from CVE-2010-3626, indicating separate attack vectors within the same product line. The flaw occurs during font processing when the application encounters malformed or specially constructed font data that triggers unexpected behavior in the rendering engine. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of memory corruption issues commonly found in document processing software, where improper input validation leads to arbitrary code execution. The attack typically involves an attacker crafting a malicious font file that, when processed by the vulnerable Adobe application, causes memory corruption that can be exploited to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the application. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer overflow or heap corruption scenario where the application fails to properly validate font data structures before processing them. This weakness aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it allows attackers to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the user environment. The exploitation requires the user to open a malicious document containing the crafted font, making social engineering a critical component of the attack vector. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability affects organizations heavily reliant on Adobe Reader for document viewing, as it creates a persistent risk for any user who might encounter compromised documents in the wild. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through various means including email attachments, web downloads, and network shares, making it difficult to control exposure. The affected versions represent a significant portion of Adobe Reader installations, particularly in enterprise environments where legacy software adoption is common. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in securing document processing applications where complex file format parsers must handle diverse and potentially malicious input. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve execution of malicious code through the compromised application. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as the vulnerability provides attackers with a straightforward path to system compromise. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and email filtering can help reduce exposure while patches are deployed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping document processing software up to date and demonstrates the persistent threat landscape that security professionals must navigate in protecting enterprise environments against sophisticated attacks targeting commonly used applications.