CVE-2015-3060 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Reader and Acrobat 10.x before 10.1.14 and 11.x before 11.0.11 on Windows and OS X allow attackers to bypass intended restrictions on JavaScript API execution via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-3061, CVE-2015-3062, CVE-2015-3063, CVE-2015-3064, CVE-2015-3065, CVE-2015-3066, CVE-2015-3067, CVE-2015-3068, CVE-2015-3069, CVE-2015-3071, CVE-2015-3072, CVE-2015-3073, and CVE-2015-3074.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2022
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 10.x prior to 10.1.14 and 11.x prior to 11.0.11 on Windows and macOS platforms contain a security vulnerability that allows attackers to circumvent intended JavaScript API execution restrictions. This flaw represents a significant bypass of the application's security controls designed to prevent unauthorized access to potentially dangerous functions within the PDF processing environment. The vulnerability specifically targets the JavaScript engine's execution context management, enabling malicious actors to execute restricted API calls that should normally be blocked by the application's security policies. Unlike other vulnerabilities in the same CVE set, this issue operates through distinct attack vectors that exploit gaps in the permission model implementation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within Adobe's JavaScript execution framework. When processing PDF documents containing malicious JavaScript code, the application fails to properly enforce security boundaries that should prevent access to sensitive API functions. This allows attackers to leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining access to system resources or executing unauthorized operations. The flaw exists in the way the application handles JavaScript context switching and API access controls, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that bypasses standard security checkpoints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to perform actions that would normally be restricted within the PDF viewer environment. Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability can be exploited to execute malicious code without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. The vulnerability affects both Windows and macOS platforms, broadening its potential attack surface and increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation. Organizations using affected versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential system compromise. This vulnerability directly impacts the security model of PDF processing applications and undermines the trust model that users expect from document viewers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment to update Adobe Reader and Acrobat to versions 10.1.14 or 11.0.11 respectively. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure while patches are deployed. Additional protective measures include disabling JavaScript execution in PDF viewers where possible, implementing sandboxing mechanisms, and monitoring for suspicious PDF file activity. Security professionals should also consider deploying endpoint detection and response solutions to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) in threat modeling exercises. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected software versions and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly.