CVE-2013-2729 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.x before 9.5.5, 10.x before 10.1.7, and 11.x before 11.0.03 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-2727.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions prior to 9.5.5, 10.1.7, and 11.0.03 contain a critical integer overflow vulnerability that enables remote code execution through unspecified attack vectors. This vulnerability represents a distinct issue from CVE-2013-2727 and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the software's memory management and input validation mechanisms. The integer overflow occurs when the application processes malformed PDF files, specifically during operations involving array indexing or buffer allocation where integer values exceed their maximum representable range. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting malicious PDF documents that trigger integer overflow conditions during parsing operations. When the vulnerable software encounters specially crafted integer values in PDF structures such as array sizes, object counts, or memory allocation parameters, the overflow can result in corrupted memory layout, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow. The flaw typically manifests when the application attempts to allocate memory buffers or iterate through arrays using computed sizes that have overflowed, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential code execution. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it affects millions of users who rely on Adobe Reader for document viewing and processing. Organizations using older versions of Adobe Acrobat are particularly at risk since the vulnerability can be triggered through simple document opening, making it highly suitable for phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks. The remote execution capability means that attackers can compromise systems without requiring local access, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability in enterprise environments where document sharing is common. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple major versions indicates a systemic issue in Adobe's codebase that required comprehensive patching across different release branches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of all affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations to versions 9.5.5, 10.1.7, and 11.0.03 or later. Organizations should implement strict document validation policies and consider deploying sandboxing technologies to isolate PDF processing operations. Network-level controls such as PDF file filtering and content inspection systems can provide additional defense in depth. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security updates and the need for organizations to maintain current software inventories to quickly identify and remediate similar issues. System administrators should also consider implementing user access controls that limit PDF document processing to trusted sources and establish incident response procedures specifically for handling potential exploitation attempts.