CVE-2015-4445 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-2015-4441, 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
This vulnerability exists in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patch releases, representing a critical security flaw that allows attackers to circumvent JavaScript API execution restrictions. The affected versions include Adobe Reader 10.x before 10.1.15 and 11.x before 11.0.12, along with various Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic and Continuous versions. The vulnerability specifically targets the JavaScript engine's security mechanisms, enabling malicious actors to execute restricted API calls that should normally be blocked by the application's security policies.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified attack vectors that bypass the software's built-in JavaScript security controls. These controls are designed to prevent potentially dangerous operations such as file system access, network communication, and system command execution through JavaScript within PDF documents. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute code that would normally be restricted, potentially enabling full system compromise. This type of flaw falls under the category of privilege escalation and code execution vulnerabilities, with direct implications for the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems running affected software versions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it provides attackers with the capability to bypass multiple layers of security that protect users from malicious PDF content. An attacker could craft specially designed PDF files that exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects both Windows and OS X operating systems, expanding the potential attack surface significantly. This weakness directly relates to the principle of least privilege and can be categorized as a security bypass vulnerability that undermines the application's security model.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of all affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations to the latest versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems to block potentially malicious PDF files from entering their networks. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted PDF documents remains crucial. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Windows Scripting and T1566 for credential access, while mapping to CWE-284 for improper access control. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs should be enhanced to detect and remediate similar issues in other software applications.