CVE-2015-6715 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The Function apply 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-2015-6714, 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-2015-6715 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software implementations that affects multiple versions across different platforms. This issue specifically targets the Function apply implementation within the JavaScript engine of these applications, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent established execution restrictions that are typically enforced to prevent malicious code from accessing sensitive system functions. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that differ from a series of related vulnerabilities, indicating a unique attack surface that requires specific analysis and remediation approaches. 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 before specific build numbers. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it undermines the fundamental security model that Adobe implements to isolate potentially harmful JavaScript code from the underlying operating system.
The technical flaw in CVE-2015-6715 stems from improper handling of the JavaScript apply function within Adobe's implementation of the Acrobat JavaScript API. This particular function allows developers to invoke functions with a specified this value and an array of arguments, but in the vulnerable versions, the implementation fails to properly validate or restrict the execution context. When attackers exploit this weakness, they can manipulate the JavaScript engine to bypass the normal API execution restrictions that are designed to prevent access to system-level functions, file system operations, and network communications. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor through which malicious JavaScript code can execute restricted operations that should normally be prohibited. This type of flaw falls under the category of improper input validation and execution restriction bypass, which aligns with CWE-252, indicating a weakness where the system fails to properly validate inputs or enforce access controls during execution. The attack vector likely involves crafting malicious PDF documents containing specially constructed JavaScript code that leverages the flawed apply function implementation to escalate privileges or execute unauthorized operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6715 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a significant threat to enterprise security environments where Adobe Reader and Acrobat are extensively deployed. Organizations that rely on these applications for document processing and viewing face potential exposure to sophisticated attacks that could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass the security boundaries that Adobe implements to isolate document processing from the underlying operating system, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, and access to sensitive data. Attackers could craft malicious PDF files that, when opened by vulnerable software, would execute malicious JavaScript code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack could be delivered through various means including email attachments, web downloads, or malicious document repositories, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently open documents from untrusted sources. This vulnerability directly impacts the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, demonstrating how the flaw enables multiple attack paths through the application's JavaScript engine.
Organizations affected by CVE-2015-6715 should implement immediate remediation measures including prompt application of Adobe's security patches and updates to bring their software versions to or beyond the patched releases mentioned in the vulnerability description. The recommended mitigation strategy involves not only updating the affected applications but also implementing network-level controls such as PDF file scanning, content filtering, and user education about the dangers of opening untrusted documents. Security administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of vulnerable versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat, particularly in environments where users may inadvertently open malicious documents. Additionally, organizations should monitor their networks for suspicious PDF file activity and implement sandboxing solutions for PDF document processing to isolate potentially malicious content from the primary computing environment. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how even seemingly minor implementation flaws in application frameworks can create significant security risks that can be exploited to bypass comprehensive security controls. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for continuous security monitoring and rapid patch deployment across enterprise environments to protect against zero-day exploits and related vulnerabilities that could compromise system integrity.