CVE-2013-0607 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.x before 9.5.3, 10.x before 10.1.5, and 11.x before 11.0.1 allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, related to a "logic error," a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-0608, CVE-2013-0611, CVE-2013-0614, and CVE-2013-0618.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2021
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 9.x before 9.5.3, 10.x before 10.1.5, and 11.x before 11.0.1 contain a critical logic error vulnerability that enables remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the software's processing logic that occurs when handling specific file formats or embedded content within pdf documents. The unspecified vectors suggest that attackers can exploit this weakness through multiple attack surfaces including malicious pdf files, embedded objects, or crafted content that triggers the faulty logic path. Unlike related vulnerabilities such as CVE-2013-0608, CVE-2013-0611, CVE-2013-0614, and CVE-2013-0618, this particular flaw stems from a distinct logic error within the application's internal processing mechanisms rather than memory corruption or input validation issues. The vulnerability's classification aligns with common weakness enumeration CWE-254, which encompasses security weaknesses related to inadequate logic in program execution. From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risk to enterprise environments where users frequently open pdf documents from untrusted sources, making it a prime target for phishing campaigns, spear phishing attacks, and targeted exploitation attempts. The attack surface extends beyond simple document opening to include automated exploitation through web browsers that embed Adobe Reader components, potentially enabling attackers to bypass traditional security controls and establish persistent access to compromised systems.
The technical exploitation of this logic error typically involves crafting malicious pdf documents that contain carefully constructed elements designed to trigger the faulty execution path within Adobe Reader's processing engine. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability through social engineering campaigns where users are诱导 to open seemingly legitimate pdf files that contain embedded malicious code or exploit payloads. The vulnerability's impact extends to both desktop and mobile platforms where Adobe Reader is deployed, with potential for privilege escalation depending on the execution context. Security researchers have identified that this flaw could be combined with other techniques to achieve full system compromise, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users have elevated privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious document, which aligns with attack patterns described in the mitre attack framework under techniques such as initial access through social engineering and execution through malicious files. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape where attackers increasingly target software applications through logic-based flaws rather than traditional buffer overflows or memory corruption vulnerabilities.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigation strategies including mandatory software updates to Adobe Reader versions 9.5.3, 10.1.5, and 11.0.1 where available, as these releases contain patches specifically addressing the logic error. Network segmentation and email filtering solutions should be enhanced to detect and block potentially malicious pdf attachments, particularly those containing embedded objects or scripts. Security monitoring should focus on unusual pdf file access patterns, unexpected process execution, and anomalous network connections that may indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict pdf file handling to trusted applications and disable unnecessary pdf features that could be exploited. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple major versions indicates a fundamental flaw in Adobe's processing logic that required comprehensive patching across different release streams. Regular security assessments should include testing for similar logic errors in other document processing applications, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader architectural weaknesses in software design. Compliance with security standards such as iso 27001 and nist cybersecurity framework becomes crucial when addressing vulnerabilities of this nature, as organizations must demonstrate adequate protection against known attack vectors. The remediation process should also include user education programs to help identify suspicious pdf files and understand the risks associated with opening documents from untrusted sources, particularly in high-risk environments where the vulnerability could be exploited for data exfiltration or lateral movement activities.