CVE-2015-6714 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The Function bind implementation 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-2015-6712, CVE-2015-6713, 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-2015-6714 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software implementations that affects multiple version ranges across different operating systems. This issue specifically targets the JavaScript function binding mechanism within Adobe's document processing applications, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent established execution restrictions. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that differ significantly from related issues within the same CVE family, indicating a unique exploitation technique that requires careful analysis of the underlying JavaScript engine behavior. The affected software versions include Adobe Reader and Acrobat 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 released prior to specific patch dates. This flaw exists in both Windows and OS X environments, suggesting a cross-platform threat vector that could impact organizations using diverse operating system infrastructures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of JavaScript API restrictions within the bind function mechanism of Adobe's document processing framework. When JavaScript code executes within Adobe Reader or Acrobat, the bind function should enforce strict security boundaries to prevent unauthorized access to system resources or privileged operations. However, this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass these protective measures through mechanisms that exploit the function binding implementation. The bypass occurs at the JavaScript execution layer where security restrictions should normally prevent certain API calls from being executed in potentially dangerous contexts. This particular flaw operates as a privilege escalation vector that can enable attackers to execute restricted JavaScript functions that would normally be blocked by the application's security model. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software implementations, and represents a significant deviation from typical JavaScript sandboxing mechanisms that should prevent such bypasses.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6714 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it enables attackers to potentially access restricted system functions that could lead to complete system compromise. This vulnerability creates opportunities for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Adobe Reader or Acrobat application, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system infiltration. The implications are particularly severe because Adobe Reader and Acrobat are widely deployed across enterprise environments, making this vulnerability attractive to threat actors seeking to exploit large attack surfaces. The vulnerability's presence in both desktop and mobile versions of Adobe's software means that organizations using these applications are at risk regardless of their deployment model. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability operates independently from other related CVEs in the same family, indicating that organizations cannot rely on patches addressing the other vulnerabilities to resolve this specific issue. The threat landscape for this vulnerability includes advanced persistent threat groups that might leverage it for initial access or lateral movement within compromised networks, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with robust security postures.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches for Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions affected by CVE-2015-6714. The recommended approach involves updating to the latest versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat that contain fixes for this specific vulnerability, with particular attention to the version numbers mentioned in the advisory. Administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting JavaScript execution in PDF documents where possible, and employing sandboxing technologies to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics suggest that organizations should also monitor for unusual JavaScript activity within PDF documents, as well as implement network-based detection mechanisms that can identify potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of Adobe Reader and Acrobat in high-risk environments, particularly when processing untrusted documents. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability would map to techniques involving privilege escalation and code execution, with potential mappings to T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running affected versions of Adobe software and ensure that all endpoints are properly patched according to the vendor's security advisories.