CVE-2011-0595 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
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 and Mac OS X allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Universal 3D (U3D) file that triggers a buffer overflow during decompression, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-0590, CVE-2011-0591, CVE-2011-0592, CVE-2011-0593, and CVE-2011-0600.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2021
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions prior to 10.0.1, 9.4.2, and 8.2.6 contain a critical buffer overflow vulnerability in their Universal 3D file processing functionality. This vulnerability specifically affects the decompression routine used when parsing U3D files, which are three-dimensional graphics formats commonly embedded in PDF documents. The flaw occurs when the software attempts to decompress a maliciously crafted U3D file that contains oversized data structures exceeding the allocated buffer space. This buffer overflow condition allows remote attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with arbitrary data, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the context of the vulnerable application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal document viewing operations, making it exploitable via web-based attacks or email attachments containing malicious U3D content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the improper bounds checking mechanisms within Adobe's U3D decompression library. When processing U3D data streams, the application fails to validate the size of incoming data structures against available buffer capacity, creating a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition. Attackers can craft U3D files with maliciously oversized headers or data segments that cause the decompression routine to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. This memory corruption can be manipulated to overwrite critical program execution pointers, function return addresses, or other control data structures, enabling attackers to redirect program flow and execute malicious code. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as a fundamental flaw in memory management practices. The attack vector is particularly insidious as it requires no special privileges beyond the ability to deliver a malicious PDF document to a target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise in many scenarios. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, privilege escalation, persistent backdoor installation, and full system control. The vulnerability affects multiple operating systems including Windows and Mac OS X, making it a cross-platform threat that increases its attack surface. Organizations relying on Adobe Reader for document viewing face significant risk exposure, as the attack can occur during routine document opening operations without user awareness. The vulnerability's relationship to other CVEs from the same timeframe indicates a pattern of similar flaws in Adobe's multimedia processing components, suggesting broader architectural weaknesses in the application's handling of external data formats. This particular vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK framework as part of the Exploitation technique category, specifically leveraging the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution sub-technique, where adversaries use software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment as the primary defense mechanism. Adobe released security updates addressing this specific buffer overflow condition in versions 10.0.1, 9.4.2, and 8.2.6, which should be implemented across all affected systems. Network-based defenses can include filtering PDF and U3D file attachments at email gateways and web proxies to prevent delivery of potentially malicious content. Additionally, organizations should implement application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of Adobe Reader to trusted environments and disable unnecessary multimedia content processing features. System administrators should monitor for exploitation attempts through network intrusion detection systems and implement endpoint protection measures that can detect and block malicious U3D file processing activities. Regular security assessments of document handling workflows and user education about avoiding suspicious PDF attachments are essential complementary measures. The vulnerability's classification as a critical threat by security vendors underscores the importance of immediate remediation efforts to prevent potential compromise of sensitive organizational data and systems.