CVE-2013-3356 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-2013-3353.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/15/2018
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions prior to 10.1.8 and 11.x versions prior to 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 significant security flaw in the document processing software that has been widely exploited by threat actors. The buffer overflow occurs when the affected applications process maliciously crafted PDF files, specifically when handling certain data structures that exceed allocated memory boundaries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. Unlike CVE-2013-3353 which affected different code paths, this vulnerability operates through distinct attack vectors that target memory management functions within the PDF rendering engine. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through simple web browsing activities when users open malicious PDF documents, making it an ideal candidate for drive-by download attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim's current user account, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow allows threat actors to bypass standard security controls and establish backdoors within the victim environment. This vulnerability has been extensively documented in various threat intelligence reports and has been incorporated into numerous exploit frameworks such as metasploit, demonstrating its widespread adoption by malicious actors. The attack surface is particularly broad since Adobe Reader remains one of the most widely installed PDF viewers globally, making millions of systems potentially vulnerable. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability can be exploited through various methods including memory corruption techniques that leverage the specific memory layout of the affected applications. The vulnerability's exploitation often requires minimal user interaction beyond opening a malicious document, making it particularly effective in social engineering campaigns. Organizations that rely heavily on PDF document sharing and viewing are at heightened risk, especially those with outdated software versions or delayed patch management processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability encompass multiple layers of defensive measures that should be implemented immediately. The most effective approach involves applying the official security patches released by Adobe, which address the specific buffer overflow conditions in the affected software versions. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected endpoints and implement automated update mechanisms to prevent future exposure. Network-based defenses can include PDF content filtering solutions that scan and block suspicious documents before they reach end users, though these solutions may not prevent all variants of exploitation. Endpoint protection measures such as application whitelisting can restrict the execution of untrusted PDF files, while memory protection features like DEP and ASLR can make exploitation more difficult. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual network activity patterns and anomalous file access behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining unpatched systems and implement proper incident response procedures that include forensic analysis capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing comprehensive security policies that address both endpoint and network-level protections. This case study exemplifies how buffer overflow vulnerabilities can serve as primary attack vectors in targeted campaigns and underscores the necessity for continuous security awareness training to prevent successful exploitation through social engineering techniques.