CVE-2010-3631 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Array index error in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.x before 8.2.5 and 9.x before 9.4 on Mac OS X allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3631 represents a critical array index error affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 8.x prior to 8.2.5 and 9.x prior to 9.4 on Mac OS X systems. This flaw resides in the handling of array data structures within the Adobe Acrobat software, specifically manifesting in the processing of malformed or specially crafted PDF files. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking mechanisms that fail to properly validate array indices before accessing memory locations, creating a potential pathway for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow condition that occurs when the application attempts to access an array element using an invalid index value. This condition typically arises during the parsing of PDF objects where the software expects a certain array structure but encounters unexpected data that causes the index calculation to exceed valid memory boundaries. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate memory access patterns through carefully constructed PDF documents that trigger the vulnerable code path, allowing for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Adobe Acrobat for document processing, particularly in environments where users frequently open PDF files from untrusted sources. The attack vector typically involves social engineering techniques where users are tricked into opening malicious PDF documents that exploit this index error. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute malicious code, install backdoors, or escalate privileges within the affected system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified on Mac OS X systems where Adobe Reader and Acrobat are commonly deployed for business and educational purposes.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including prompt patch deployment for Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 8.2.5 and 9.4 respectively, as these releases contain the necessary fixes for the array index error. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing PDF file filtering mechanisms that scan incoming documents for suspicious content patterns and restrict access to potentially malicious files. Network-based intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor for known attack signatures associated with this vulnerability. The underlying issue aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient validation of array indices, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of software vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls including application whitelisting and user education programs to prevent successful exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper bounds checking in memory management operations and highlights how seemingly minor implementation flaws can result in severe security consequences. Organizations should maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to monitor for related vulnerabilities and ensure their Adobe Acrobat installations remain current with security patches. Regular security assessments should include evaluation of document processing applications and their susceptibility to similar memory corruption vulnerabilities that could enable privilege escalation or remote code execution scenarios.