CVE-2015-4441 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Reader and Acrobat 10.x before 10.1.15 and 11.x before 11.0.12, Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic before 2015.006.30060, and Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Continuous before 2015.008.20082 on Windows and OS X allow attackers to bypass JavaScript API execution restrictions via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-4435, CVE-2015-4438, CVE-2015-4445, CVE-2015-4447, CVE-2015-4451, CVE-2015-4452, CVE-2015-5085, and CVE-2015-5086.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2022
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions prior to specific patches contain a critical vulnerability that undermines the JavaScript security model implemented within the software. This vulnerability affects multiple product lines including the classic versions of Acrobat and Reader, as well as the DC Classic and DC Continuous variants, across both Windows and macOS operating systems. The flaw specifically targets the JavaScript API execution restrictions that are fundamental to preventing malicious code from accessing sensitive system functions. Attackers can exploit this weakness to bypass the intended security boundaries that normally prevent JavaScript within PDF documents from executing privileged operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of JavaScript API calls that should be restricted to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. While the exact vector remains unspecified, this issue represents a distinct security flaw from several other related vulnerabilities in the same timeframe, indicating that it operates through different mechanisms than previously identified weaknesses. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute JavaScript code that would normally be blocked by the security restrictions, potentially enabling them to access system files, execute arbitrary commands, or perform other malicious activities that should be prevented by the application's security model.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations that rely on Adobe Reader and Acrobat for document processing. The ability to bypass JavaScript API restrictions means that malicious PDF files could potentially exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or system resources. This threat is particularly concerning given that PDF documents are commonly used in business environments and may be opened by unsuspecting users who could inadvertently trigger the exploit. The vulnerability affects both the classic and newer DC versions of the software, indicating that it represents a fundamental flaw in the JavaScript security implementation that spans multiple product iterations.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and code execution within sandboxed environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE categories related to insufficient restrictions on JavaScript execution and improper handling of API access controls. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability could be leveraged in targeted attacks or mass phishing campaigns. The affected versions represent a substantial attack surface that requires immediate remediation, especially in environments where PDF documents are frequently opened by multiple users or processed automatically. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for enterprise software applications that handle potentially malicious content.