CVE-2013-0606 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.x before 9.5.3, 10.x before 10.1.5, and 11.x before 11.0.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-0612, CVE-2013-0615, CVE-2013-0617, and CVE-2013-0621.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0606 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Adobe Reader and Acrobat software across multiple versions including 9.x before 9.5.3, 10.x before 10.1.5, and 11.x before 11.0.1. This security weakness falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability manifests in the handling of malformed PDF objects that trigger memory corruption during processing, creating an opportunity for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. Unlike related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2013-0612, CVE-2013-0615, CVE-2013-0617, and CVE-2013-0621, this flaw operates through distinct exploitation vectors that leverage different code paths within the Adobe Acrobat processing engine.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs when the vulnerable software processes specially crafted PDF files containing malformed data structures that exceed allocated buffer boundaries. Attackers can construct malicious PDF documents that, when opened by an affected version of Adobe Reader or Acrobat, cause the application to write beyond the intended memory allocation, potentially overwriting critical program structures, return addresses, or other sensitive data. This memory corruption can be exploited to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the victim user. The attack typically requires user interaction to open the malicious document, making social engineering a common accompanying threat vector. The vulnerability's exploitation capability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the compromised application to execute arbitrary commands.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0606 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data exfiltration. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat face significant risk exposure since these applications are widely deployed across enterprise environments for document viewing and processing. The vulnerability can be exploited in targeted attacks against specific individuals or organizations, particularly those handling sensitive documents, or through mass phishing campaigns distributing malicious PDF attachments. The memory corruption resulting from this buffer overflow can lead to application crashes, but more critically, provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access through rootkit or backdoor installation. This vulnerability particularly affects industries such as finance, healthcare, and government where PDF document processing is common and sensitive information is regularly handled. The exploitation of this flaw represents a significant threat to enterprise security posture and can result in unauthorized access to confidential data, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments.
Organizations should immediately implement remediation measures including applying the latest security patches from Adobe, which address this vulnerability in versions 9.5.3, 10.1.5, and 11.0.1 respectively. System administrators should consider implementing Adobe Acrobat Reader lockdown profiles to restrict potentially dangerous functionality and limit the attack surface. Network security controls such as email filtering and web proxy rules can help prevent delivery of malicious PDF attachments. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of verifying document sources and avoiding opening suspicious PDF files. The vulnerability's classification as a high-severity issue according to Adobe's security advisory requires immediate attention from security teams, as the combination of widespread software deployment and the potential for remote code execution makes this flaw particularly dangerous in enterprise environments. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations to ensure all systems are properly patched and protected against this and related threats.