CVE-2015-6712 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The ANSendApprovalToAuthorEnabled 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-2015-6711, 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-2015-6712 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patch releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the ANSendApprovalToAuthorEnabled method within the JavaScript API execution environment, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent intended security restrictions that normally limit what JavaScript code can execute within the PDF viewer. The flaw exists across multiple product lines including both legacy versions and the then-recently introduced Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic and Continuous editions, indicating a widespread issue affecting a significant portion of the Adobe Acrobat user base. The vulnerability operates on Windows and macOS operating systems, making it particularly concerning given the cross-platform nature of Adobe's PDF viewers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of JavaScript API execution restrictions within Adobe's PDF processing engine. When the ANSendApprovalToAuthorEnabled method is invoked, it should enforce strict limitations on what JavaScript functions can be executed, particularly those that could compromise system integrity or enable unauthorized access to system resources. However, attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to bypass these restrictions, effectively allowing malicious JavaScript code to execute with elevated privileges or access capabilities that should otherwise be blocked. This bypass mechanism operates through a different attack surface compared to other vulnerabilities in the same CVE family, suggesting that the flaw may stem from a distinct code path or implementation error within the JavaScript sandboxing mechanism. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security model that Adobe implements to protect users from potentially malicious PDF content.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6712 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with a method to execute arbitrary code within the context of a user's session when viewing PDF documents. This capability can be leveraged to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to privilege escalation, information disclosure, system compromise, and data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through standard PDF document viewing operations, meaning users need not perform any special actions beyond opening a malicious document to be compromised. This makes the attack vector extremely stealthy and effective in social engineering scenarios where users might unknowingly open compromised PDF files. The vulnerability's presence in both legacy versions and newer DC editions suggests that organizations using older Adobe software versions remain at significant risk, and even users of newer versions may be vulnerable if they have not applied the specific patches that address this issue.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-264, which addresses permissions, privileges, and access control issues, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution within PDF documents. The flaw represents a sandbox escape vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass security controls that are fundamental to preventing malicious code execution in PDF viewers. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, particularly those running Adobe Reader 10.x versions before 10.1.16, 11.x versions before 11.0.13, and the corresponding DC versions before their respective patch releases. Additionally, implementing network-based controls such as PDF content filtering, email scanning, and endpoint protection measures can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. Security administrators should also consider restricting user permissions when opening PDF files and implementing user education programs to prevent accidental execution of malicious documents. The vulnerability's classification as a privilege escalation or sandbox bypass issue underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software patches and implementing comprehensive security policies that address the execution of potentially malicious content from untrusted sources.