CVE-2015-6711 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The DoIdentityDialog 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-2015-6709, CVE-2015-6710, 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 • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-6711 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patch releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the DoIdentityDialog method which is part of the JavaScript API execution framework within Adobe's document processing applications. The flaw enables attackers to circumvent established security restrictions that typically prevent malicious JavaScript code from executing with elevated privileges or accessing restricted system functions. This issue impacts multiple product lines including the classic versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, as well as the continuously updated DC versions, across both Windows and macOS operating systems. The vulnerability operates through unspecified attack vectors that differ from several other related vulnerabilities in the same timeframe, making it a distinct threat vector that requires specific mitigation approaches.
The technical nature of this vulnerability resides in the improper handling of JavaScript API execution contexts within Adobe's document processing engine. When the DoIdentityDialog method is invoked, the software fails to properly validate or restrict the execution environment for JavaScript code, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that would normally be blocked by security mechanisms. This bypass occurs at the application layer where JavaScript execution permissions are managed, effectively creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript code with elevated privileges that should be restricted to prevent unauthorized system access or data manipulation. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-250 category of "Execute Code with Unusual Privileges" and represents a significant weakening of Adobe's security model for document processing applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6711 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities as it enables attackers to potentially compromise entire user systems through document-based attacks. Attackers can craft malicious PDF documents that, when opened in vulnerable versions of Adobe Reader or Acrobat, trigger the DoIdentityDialog method and execute malicious JavaScript code with elevated privileges. This could lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of additional malware. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently open documents from untrusted sources, making it a prime target for phishing campaigns or targeted attacks. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a valuable tool for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6711 focus primarily on immediate software updates and configuration changes. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations to the patched versions mentioned in the advisory, specifically versions 10.1.16 and 11.0.13 for the classic versions, and the corresponding DC versions. Beyond patching, security administrators should implement additional protective measures such as disabling JavaScript execution in PDF readers where possible, implementing strict document handling policies, and deploying sandboxing technologies to contain potential exploitation attempts. Network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help detect and block malicious PDF files before they reach end users. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the risks associated with legacy software in enterprise environments where the attack surface remains expanded due to outdated security controls. Security monitoring should specifically look for unusual JavaScript activity patterns and unauthorized privilege escalation attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.