CVE-2014-0514 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The Adobe Reader Mobile application before 11.2 for Android does not properly restrict use of JavaScript, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF document, a related issue to CVE-2012-6636.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0514 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader Mobile versions prior to 11.2 for Android platforms. This issue stems from insufficient JavaScript execution controls within the mobile PDF viewer application, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through specially crafted PDF documents. The vulnerability operates as a remote code execution flaw that can be triggered without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users frequently encounter PDF content from untrusted sources. The flaw allows attackers to bypass the application's security restrictions and execute arbitrary code on the target device, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of JavaScript within the PDF rendering engine of Adobe Reader Mobile. When processing PDF documents, the application fails to adequately validate or restrict JavaScript execution, particularly in contexts where such scripting could be embedded within PDF files. This weakness enables attackers to embed malicious JavaScript code within PDF documents that, when opened or even previewed by the vulnerable application, executes with the privileges of the application itself. The flaw is categorized under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and relates to inadequate restrictions on code generation or execution within applications. The vulnerability's nature aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript," demonstrating how attackers can leverage JavaScript execution capabilities to perform malicious activities within the target environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0514 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, device reconnaissance, and persistent access establishment. Mobile devices running vulnerable versions of Adobe Reader Mobile become potential entry points for attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the device, including personal documents, communications, and potentially corporate data. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can deliver malicious payloads through email attachments, web downloads, or other common attack vectors without requiring physical access to the target device. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors conducting large-scale campaigns targeting mobile users who frequently access PDF documents in their daily activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0514 primarily focus on updating to Adobe Reader Mobile version 11.2 or later, which includes patches addressing the JavaScript execution restrictions. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that enforce automatic updates for security-critical applications, particularly those handling sensitive content. Network-level defenses such as PDF content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional protection layers, though these should complement rather than replace application-level updates. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of opening PDF documents from untrusted sources and the importance of keeping mobile applications updated. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-94 and its relationship to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 emphasize the need for layered security approaches that address both the specific code execution flaw and broader JavaScript-based attack patterns commonly seen in mobile environments.