CVE-2015-3063 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-2015-3062, 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 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 vulnerability specifically affects the sandboxing mechanisms designed to prevent malicious code from accessing system resources or executing harmful operations within the Adobe Reader environment. The flaw operates through unspecified vectors that differ from other related vulnerabilities in the same timeframe, making it a distinct threat vector requiring separate mitigation approaches.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate enforcement of JavaScript security policies within the Adobe Acrobat Reader and Acrobat applications. When users open PDF documents, the applications execute JavaScript code to provide dynamic functionality, but the security boundaries that should restrict this code's access to system resources have been compromised. This allows attackers to execute JavaScript API calls that should normally be restricted or disabled, potentially enabling unauthorized access to the underlying operating system. The vulnerability represents a bypass of the intended security model that Adobe implemented to prevent malicious JavaScript from performing dangerous operations such as file system access, network communication, or system command execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it could enable attackers to perform various malicious activities through compromised PDF documents. An attacker could craft malicious PDF files that, when opened in vulnerable versions of Adobe Reader or Acrobat, would execute JavaScript code with elevated privileges beyond what the security sandbox normally permits. This could potentially lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of additional malware. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects widely used document viewing applications that users frequently open without considering security implications, making it an attractive target for phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of Adobe's security patches and updates, which address the specific JavaScript execution bypass issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management policies to ensure all instances of Adobe Reader and Acrobat are updated to versions 10.1.14 or 11.0.11 or later. Additionally, security administrators should consider implementing additional protective measures such as disabling JavaScript execution entirely in PDF viewers when not required, using sandboxing technologies, and deploying network-based security controls to monitor and block suspicious PDF file downloads. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-250, which addresses execution of code with improper privileges, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution. Organizations should also consider the broader context of PDF-based attacks and implement layered security approaches including email filtering, web application firewalls, and user education programs to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.