CVE-2015-3067 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-2015-3063, CVE-2015-3064, CVE-2015-3065, CVE-2015-3066, 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 before 10.1.14 and 11.x before 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 distinct security issue separate from multiple other vulnerabilities in the same year, specifically excluding CVE-2015-3060 through CVE-2015-3074 and CVE-2015-3072. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that permit unauthorized execution of JavaScript functions within the application's restricted environment. This weakness enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system. The flaw exists within the application's JavaScript engine implementation where proper access controls fail to prevent execution of privileged API calls. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specially formatted PDF documents that trigger the bypass mechanism, allowing them to execute JavaScript functions that should normally be restricted. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in software implementations. The attack vector typically involves social engineering techniques where users are tricked into opening maliciously crafted PDF files that contain the exploit code. The security implications extend beyond simple code execution as this vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or escalate privileges within the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects widely deployed software across both Windows and macOS operating systems, making it a prime target for mass exploitation campaigns. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Windows Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1059.006 for PowerShell, as attackers can leverage the bypassed JavaScript capabilities to execute malicious payloads. The restricted JavaScript environment in Adobe Reader and Acrobat is designed to prevent malicious code from accessing system resources, but this vulnerability undermines those protections entirely. Organizations using affected versions should immediately implement patch management procedures to update to the latest versions that address this specific bypass mechanism. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical flaw in Adobe's security model where proper sandboxing of JavaScript execution fails to prevent unauthorized access to system-level functions. This issue represents a significant risk to enterprise environments where Adobe Reader remains a common tool for document viewing and processing, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive corporate information. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious document, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the JavaScript security model within Adobe Reader and Acrobat applications. The software's JavaScript engine does not properly validate API call permissions when processing PDF documents, allowing attackers to invoke restricted functions that should only be accessible through legitimate application interfaces. This bypass mechanism operates at the application layer where the security controls that normally isolate JavaScript execution from system resources are insufficiently enforced. The vulnerability specifically impacts the API restriction enforcement logic, which is designed to prevent JavaScript from accessing sensitive system functions such as file system operations, network communications, or process manipulation. When an attacker crafts a PDF document that triggers this bypass, the application's security checks are circumvented, enabling execution of privileged JavaScript code that can interact with the underlying operating system. The flaw is particularly insidious because it operates silently in the background, without alerting users to the security compromise. This vulnerability represents a failure in the principle of least privilege where JavaScript code should not be able to execute functions that exceed its intended scope of access. The security implications are severe as this bypass can be used to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of Adobe Reader across enterprise environments, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to sensitive networks and data repositories. Organizations should implement layered security approaches including email filtering, web application firewalls, and endpoint protection solutions to mitigate the risk of exploitation while awaiting patch deployment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Adobe's security patches that address the JavaScript API execution bypass mechanism. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially malicious code. Security teams should monitor for suspicious PDF file downloads and implement strict email filtering rules to prevent delivery of malicious attachments. The vulnerability requires careful attention to endpoint security controls as it can be exploited through simple document opening actions, making traditional security measures like user education insufficient on their own. System administrators should disable JavaScript execution in Adobe Reader where possible, particularly in enterprise environments where document viewing is not a primary requirement for business operations. The implementation of security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous JavaScript execution patterns within PDF processing applications provides additional defense in depth. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust security models that verify all code execution regardless of its source or previous security status. Regular security audits of Adobe Reader installations should be conducted to ensure all systems are running patched versions. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that may not have sophisticated security monitoring in place. Proper incident response procedures should include specific guidance for identifying and containing exploitation attempts related to this JavaScript bypass vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched versions to ensure that security controls function correctly without introducing compatibility issues with legitimate business applications.