CVE-2011-2442 in Acrobat
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.x before 8.3.1, 9.x before 9.4.6, and 10.x before 10.1.1 allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, related to a "logic error vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2021
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 8.x before 8.3.1, 9.x before 9.4.6, and 10.x before 10.1.1 contain a logic error vulnerability that enables remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability stems from a fundamental flaw in the software's processing logic that fails to properly validate or handle certain input conditions. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability could be triggered through multiple attack surfaces within the application's handling of PDF files or embedded content. The logic error likely occurs during the parsing or rendering of maliciously crafted PDF documents, where the application's internal state management becomes compromised, allowing an attacker to manipulate execution flow. This type of vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that could be exploited without user interaction, as the malicious payload is embedded within the PDF file itself. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of Adobe's document processing engine, which is designed to interpret and render PDF content securely, yet the logic error creates an exploitable condition that bypasses intended security checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows adversaries to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Adobe Reader or Acrobat, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning because PDF files are widely distributed and commonly opened by users across various environments, making this vulnerability highly exploitable in targeted campaigns. The logic error vulnerability is categorized under CWE-254 as a "Security Feature Removal or Bypass," indicating that the software's intended protection mechanisms are circumvented through flawed logic implementation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic," as attackers can leverage the executed code to perform further malicious activities through scripting capabilities. The vulnerability's nature suggests that it may be related to improper bounds checking or memory management within the PDF parsing components, where the application fails to properly validate the structure or content of PDF objects.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application as the primary defense mechanism. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations to the patched versions 8.3.1, 9.4.6, and 10.1.1 respectively, as these releases contain the necessary fixes for the logic error. System administrators should implement a comprehensive patch management program that includes regular security updates for all Adobe products. Network security controls such as PDF file filtering at perimeter defenses can provide additional protection layers, though this approach is less reliable than patching. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, particularly in applications that process untrusted data. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their document processing workflows and implement sandboxing techniques for PDF handling. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while the vulnerability is addressed. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and maintain awareness of potential exploitation attempts in the wild, as the vulnerability's widespread impact makes it attractive to both targeted attackers and automated exploit campaigns.