CVE-2011-2096 in Acrobat
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.x before 8.3, 9.x before 9.4.5, and 10.x before 10.1 on Windows and Mac OS X allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2021
This heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patches, affecting multiple product lines including version 8.x before 8.3, 9.x before 9.4.5, and 10.x before 10.1 across both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the software's memory management functions, creating a condition where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap allocation space. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Heap-based Buffer Overflow, which represents a critical class of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution. The flaw manifests when the application processes certain file formats or data structures without adequate bounds checking, allowing attackers to manipulate heap memory layout through carefully constructed input vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve arbitrary code execution on targeted systems. When exploited, the buffer overflow can overwrite critical memory structures including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow to malicious code. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation typically results in elevated privileges and complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects users who open maliciously crafted PDF files or encounter specially crafted content within legitimate documents, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PDF consumption is common.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate application of Adobe's security patches released as part of their regular update cycle, which address the specific heap overflow conditions in the affected software versions. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all instances of Adobe Reader and Acrobat are updated to versions 8.3, 9.4.5, or 10.1 respectively. Additional protective measures include implementing sandboxing mechanisms, restricting Adobe Reader's capabilities through security policies, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider reducing user privileges when opening PDF files, implementing application whitelisting policies, and establishing security awareness training programs to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that may leverage this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing layered security approaches to protect against memory corruption exploits that can compromise entire systems.