CVE-2015-5095 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in 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 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-4448, CVE-2015-5099, CVE-2015-5101, CVE-2015-5111, CVE-2015-5113, and CVE-2015-5114.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2024
This use-after-free vulnerability exists in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patches, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability affects multiple product lines including Adobe Reader 10.x before 10.1.15 and 11.x before 11.0.12, along with various Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC versions. The flaw manifests when the software improperly handles memory allocation and deallocation processes, creating conditions where freed memory blocks can still be accessed and manipulated by malicious actors. This particular vulnerability operates through unspecified attack vectors that distinguish it from related security issues such as CVE-2015-4448, CVE-2015-5099, CVE-2015-5101, CVE-2015-5111, CVE-2015-5113, and CVE-2015-5114, indicating a unique exploitation pathway within the software's memory management subsystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of object references within the Adobe software's parsing mechanisms for PDF documents. When processing maliciously crafted PDF files, the application may free memory associated with certain objects while simultaneously maintaining pointers to those locations. Attackers can exploit this by crafting PDF content that triggers the use of freed memory blocks, potentially allowing them to control program execution flow. This memory corruption vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software applications. The flaw particularly affects Windows and OS X operating systems, making it a cross-platform threat that requires comprehensive mitigation strategies across different environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation or denial of service scenarios, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities for attackers. Successful exploitation allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability represents a significant threat to enterprise environments where Adobe Reader and Acrobat are widely deployed, as it can be triggered through simple document opening actions. The attack surface is particularly broad given that PDF documents are commonly shared via email, web downloads, and file transfers, making this vulnerability highly exploitable in real-world scenarios. Organizations using these software versions face substantial risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment across all affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations. System administrators should prioritize updating to the patched versions mentioned in the advisory, specifically targeting Adobe Reader 10.1.15, 11.0.12, and the corresponding Acrobat DC versions. Additionally, implementing PDF content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide layered defense against exploitation attempts. Security professionals should consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious PDF-related traffic patterns and employ email filtering solutions that scan attachments for potentially malicious content. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the privilege escalation and execution domains, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures that address both endpoint protection and network monitoring capabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to reduce the likelihood of accidental exploitation through social engineering attacks that deliver malicious PDF files.