CVE-2013-3353 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Adobe Reader and Acrobat before 10.1.8 and 11.x before 11.0.04 on Windows and Mac OS X allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-3356.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2018
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions prior to 10.1.8 and 11.x before 11.0.04 contain a critical buffer overflow vulnerability that enables remote code execution on Windows and Mac OS X systems. This vulnerability represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition that occurs when the software fails to properly validate input data length before copying it into fixed-size memory buffers. The flaw manifests during the processing of maliciously crafted PDF documents, where attacker-controlled data exceeds the allocated buffer boundaries and overwrites adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, stack-based buffer overflow, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain remote code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers typically deliver malicious payloads through spearphishing emails containing infected PDF attachments, leveraging the widespread use of Adobe Reader in enterprise environments. The buffer overflow occurs in the document parsing routines where PDF objects are processed without adequate bounds checking, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and redirect execution flow. The vulnerability affects both Windows and Mac OS X platforms, demonstrating the cross-platform nature of this particular flaw in Adobe's document processing engine. The security implications extend beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to privilege escalation, data theft, and persistence mechanisms within targeted systems. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat face significant risk exposure due to the ease of exploitation and the broad attack surface provided by PDF document processing. This vulnerability represents a critical gap in Adobe's input validation mechanisms and highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management programs. The flaw demonstrates how legacy software components can harbor dangerous vulnerabilities that persist for extended periods, emphasizing the need for continuous security assessments and proactive vulnerability management strategies. Remediation requires immediate deployment of Adobe's security patches, which address the buffer overflow by implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms in the PDF parsing routines. Organizations should also implement additional protective measures such as PDF sandboxing, email filtering, and user education to reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and the potential consequences of running unsupported or unpatched applications in enterprise environments.