CVE-2011-0588 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 10.x before 10.0.1, 9.x before 9.4.2, and 8.x before 8.2.6 on Windows allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in the current working directory, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-0562 and CVE-2011-0570.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-0588 represents a classic untrusted search path issue affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions across multiple release lines. This flaw specifically impacts Windows operating systems and exploits the way these applications handle dynamic link library (dll) loading processes. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate the source of dynamically loaded libraries, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to place specially crafted dll files in the current working directory. This particular weakness is categorized under CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path elements, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. The vulnerability exists because Adobe Reader and Acrobat applications do not implement proper security measures to verify the authenticity and origin of dll files before executing them.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows local users to execute malicious code with elevated privileges by simply placing a Trojan horse dll file in the same directory from which the vulnerable application is launched. When Adobe Reader or Acrobat attempts to load a required library, it searches through the current working directory before checking system paths, which creates an exploitable condition. This search order behavior is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to place malicious dll files that match the names of legitimate system libraries, causing the application to load and execute the attacker-controlled code instead of the intended system library. The flaw specifically affects versions 10.x prior to 10.0.1, 9.x prior to 9.4.2, and 8.x prior to 8.2.6, indicating that this was a widespread issue across the product line that required multiple patches to address properly.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0588 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable full system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Adobe Reader or Acrobat, which could include administrative accounts in corporate environments. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that even if users are not running with administrative rights, they can still gain elevated privileges through this attack vector. This creates significant risk in enterprise environments where users may have legitimate access to Adobe Reader but not administrative rights, as the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass traditional security controls. The attack requires physical access or the ability to influence the current working directory of the vulnerable application, which makes it somewhat more constrained than remote code execution vulnerabilities but still highly dangerous in targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0588 focus primarily on applying vendor patches and implementing proper system hardening measures. Adobe released updates for all affected versions, with the specific versions mentioned in the CVE description requiring immediate patching to prevent exploitation. Organizations should implement strict patch management procedures to ensure all vulnerable systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Additional mitigations include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict which dll files can be loaded by Adobe applications, configuring proper file permissions on directories where Adobe Reader and Acrobat execute, and using security tools that monitor for suspicious dll loading behavior. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices, particularly regarding library loading and search path management, which aligns with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and Microsoft's secure coding guidelines. System administrators should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability creates observable behavior patterns that can be detected through proper security monitoring.