CVE-2015-3062 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-2015-3060, CVE-2015-3061, 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 • 12/09/2024
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions prior to 10.1.14 and 11.0.11 on Windows and OS X systems contain a critical vulnerability that allows attackers to circumvent intended JavaScript API execution restrictions. This vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in the document processing software's security model, enabling malicious actors to execute unauthorized JavaScript commands that should have been blocked by the application's built-in security controls. The flaw operates through unspecified vectors that differ from other related vulnerabilities in the same CVE family, indicating a unique attack surface that requires specific mitigation approaches.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of JavaScript API calls within the Adobe Reader and Acrobat applications. When processing PDF documents, these applications maintain strict controls over which JavaScript functions can be executed and under what conditions. However, the flaw allows attackers to bypass these controls through unknown mechanisms that permit execution of privileged JavaScript operations. This bypass capability fundamentally undermines the security architecture designed to prevent malicious code from accessing system resources or performing unauthorized actions. The vulnerability specifically affects the JavaScript engine's privilege management system, where legitimate document processing JavaScript commands are incorrectly allowed to execute with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations relying on Adobe Reader and Acrobat for document processing. Attackers who successfully exploit this flaw can execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as file system access, registry modifications, and network communications that should be restricted to legitimate document processing operations. This capability makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PDF documents are frequently opened and processed, as it provides a potential entry point for malware deployment and persistent access to target systems. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple document processing, as it allows for privilege escalation and lateral movement within network environments.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary mitigation strategy involves updating to Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 10.1.14 and 11.0.11 respectively, which contain the necessary security patches to address the JavaScript API execution bypass. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict PDF document processing to trusted sources can provide additional protection. Network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems should be configured to scan and block suspicious PDF attachments. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual JavaScript activity patterns within PDF processing environments, as this vulnerability may be used in conjunction with other attack vectors. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and execution through legitimate user processes, making it particularly challenging to detect through traditional security controls. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing technologies to isolate PDF processing activities from core system resources, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing comprehensive security monitoring for enterprise document processing environments.