CVE-2014-8460 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 10.x before 10.1.13 and 11.x before 11.0.10 on Windows and OS X allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2014-8457 and CVE-2014-9159.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2022
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8460 represents a critical security flaw affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions prior to 10.1.13 and 11.0.10 on both Windows and macOS operating systems. This vulnerability resides within the heap memory management mechanisms of Adobe's document processing libraries, creating a condition where maliciously crafted PDF files can trigger memory corruption during document parsing operations. The flaw specifically manifests when the application processes certain data structures within PDF files, leading to unauthorized memory access patterns that can be exploited by attackers to gain control over the affected system. Unlike similar vulnerabilities such as CVE-2014-8457 and CVE-2014-9159, this particular issue demonstrates distinct exploitation vectors that require careful analysis of Adobe's internal PDF parsing logic.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs within Adobe's heap memory allocation routines where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. When processing malformed PDF content, the application fails to properly validate input parameters before copying data into heap-allocated buffers, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payloads. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable Adobe application, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires precise control over memory layout and typically involves crafting PDF files that trigger specific parsing paths within Adobe's document engine, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8460 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems through various attack vectors including social engineering campaigns, drive-by downloads, and phishing attacks targeting vulnerable Adobe installations. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat face significant risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed software applications means that exploitation can occur across various industries and organizations without requiring specialized knowledge of the target systems. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability alongside other PDF-related threats and implement comprehensive patch management strategies to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8460 should prioritize immediate patch deployment for all affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations, with particular attention to systems that process untrusted PDF documents regularly. Organizations should implement network-based controls including PDF file filtering and sandboxing technologies to reduce exposure while patches are deployed. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow patterns and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for application layer execution, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams. Additional protective measures include restricting Adobe Reader's functionality through security policies, implementing user education programs about PDF file handling, and monitoring for suspicious PDF-related activities in network traffic. System administrators should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.