CVE-2015-3068 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-2015-3067, 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 vulnerability specifically affects the sandboxing mechanisms that are designed to prevent malicious code from executing dangerous operations within the application. The flaw enables unauthorized access to restricted JavaScript APIs that should normally be disabled or heavily restricted to prevent exploitation of the underlying system. Unlike other vulnerabilities in the same CVE family, this particular issue stems from unspecified vectors that create a distinct attack surface requiring separate mitigation strategies. The vulnerability represents a critical bypass of Adobe's security controls that were implemented to protect users from potentially malicious PDF documents.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of mechanisms that govern JavaScript execution within Adobe Reader and Acrobat's document processing environment. When users open PDF documents, the application's JavaScript engine should enforce strict access controls that prevent scripts from accessing sensitive system functions or performing operations that could compromise the host system. However, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute JavaScript code that can bypass these access controls, potentially enabling execution of commands that should be restricted. The unspecified vectors suggest that the flaw may involve multiple attack paths including improper input validation, insufficient privilege checks, or flawed state management within the JavaScript execution environment. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control mechanisms, and may also relate to CWE-250 which covers execution of unknown malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring user interaction beyond opening a malicious PDF document. This creates a serious threat vector for phishing attacks, social engineering campaigns, and targeted attacks against specific organizations. The vulnerability can be exploited to perform actions such as file system access, registry modifications, network communications, and process execution that would normally be blocked by Adobe's security restrictions. Attackers could leverage this flaw to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware payloads on compromised systems. The vulnerability affects both Windows and macOS platforms, expanding the potential attack surface and increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation across different operating environments. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through standard email attachments or web downloads, making it difficult to detect and prevent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations to versions 10.1.14 and 11.0.11 respectively. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems are updated promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict email filtering policies to block suspicious PDF attachments, disabling JavaScript execution in PDF readers where possible, and employing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for malicious activity. Security administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized software and monitor for unusual system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and highlights the risks associated with outdated software in enterprise environments. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1068 which addresses exploit for privilege escalation, making it a critical concern for security operations teams responsible for protecting organizational assets.