CVE-2015-6709 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The CBBBRInvite method in Adobe Reader and Acrobat 10.x before 10.1.16 and 11.x before 11.0.13, Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic before 2015.006.30094, and Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Continuous before 2015.009.20069 on Windows and OS X allows attackers to bypass JavaScript API execution restrictions via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-6707, CVE-2015-6708, CVE-2015-6710, CVE-2015-6711, CVE-2015-6712, CVE-2015-6713, CVE-2015-6714, CVE-2015-6715, CVE-2015-6716, CVE-2015-6717, CVE-2015-6718, CVE-2015-6719, CVE-2015-6720, CVE-2015-6721, CVE-2015-6722, CVE-2015-6723, CVE-2015-6724, CVE-2015-6725, CVE-2015-7614, CVE-2015-7616, CVE-2015-7618, CVE-2015-7619, CVE-2015-7620, and CVE-2015-7623.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6709 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patch releases. This issue specifically affects the CBBBRInvite method within the JavaScript API execution environment, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent established security restrictions. The vulnerability impacts multiple product lines including Adobe Reader 10.x before 10.1.16 and 11.x before 11.0.13, along with various Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic and Continuous versions. The flaw operates on both Windows and OS X operating systems, demonstrating the cross-platform nature of the security concern. This vulnerability is distinct from several related issues including CVE-2015-6707 through CVE-2015-6725, as well as CVE-2015-7614 through CVE-2015-7623, indicating it represents a unique attack vector within the broader set of Adobe security flaws from that time period.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of the CBBBRInvite method within Adobe's JavaScript engine, which is responsible for managing API calls within the PDF processing environment. When exploited, this flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code that would normally be restricted by the security model. The mechanism by which this bypass occurs involves manipulating the JavaScript API execution context to gain elevated privileges or access to restricted functions. This typically occurs through carefully crafted PDF documents that trigger the vulnerable code path during document processing. The vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation and code execution flaws, with potential implications for the broader Adobe Acrobat ecosystem. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly isolated flaws in application programming interfaces can create significant security risks when exploited in combination with other attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6709 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass broader system compromise potential. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could potentially execute malicious code with the privileges of the Acrobat application, which typically runs with user-level permissions but can access system resources through various API calls. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed software versions means that organizations using affected Adobe products face substantial risk exposure, particularly in environments where PDF documents are frequently opened or processed. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for JavaScript execution and T1068 for exploit development. The flaw's characteristics also relate to CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access controls, as well as CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds writes. Organizations with legacy Adobe installations were particularly vulnerable to this attack vector, as these versions were commonly used in enterprise environments where PDF processing remains a routine task.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6709 primarily involve immediate software updates to the patched versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat products. Adobe released updates for all affected versions, including the specific patch releases mentioned in the vulnerability description. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected endpoints, particularly in environments where PDF documents are frequently processed or received from external sources. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict PDF document filtering policies, disabling JavaScript execution in Acrobat applications when not required, and employing sandboxing techniques to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can help prevent the delivery of malicious PDF documents that exploit this vulnerability. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual JavaScript activity or API calls within Acrobat processes, as these may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege configurations where Acrobat applications run with minimal required permissions, reducing the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and the risks associated with using outdated software components in enterprise environments.