CVE-2015-6717 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The DynamicAnnotStore 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-2015-6712, CVE-2015-6713, CVE-2015-6714, CVE-2015-6715, CVE-2015-6716, 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-2015-6717 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patch releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the DynamicAnnotStore method which is responsible for handling dynamic annotations within PDF documents. The flaw allows attackers to circumvent JavaScript API execution restrictions that are normally enforced by the software, creating a significant bypass mechanism that undermines the security model designed to prevent malicious code execution. The vulnerability operates across multiple affected versions 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, making it particularly widespread in enterprise environments where these applications are commonly deployed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation within the DynamicAnnotStore method that processes annotations in PDF documents. When a malicious PDF document is opened, the flaw enables attackers to execute JavaScript code that would normally be restricted by the software's security policies. This bypass mechanism operates through unspecified vectors that allow unauthorized code execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform actions such as reading files from the local system, executing arbitrary commands, or accessing sensitive data without proper authorization. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-284 which relates to improper access control, specifically focusing on insufficient restrictions on JavaScript API access within PDF processing environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6717 is severe and multifaceted, particularly in enterprise and government environments where Adobe Reader and Acrobat are extensively used for document handling and sharing. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to systems through crafted PDF documents delivered via email or web downloads, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability's ability to bypass JavaScript restrictions means that malicious actors can execute sophisticated attacks that would normally be blocked by the software's security mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attacks against high-value targets. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers JavaScript and VBScript execution, demonstrating how attackers can leverage legitimate software features to execute malicious code.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the recommended patches provided by Adobe for all affected versions of Reader and Acrobat software. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive patch management procedures with priority deployment of the security updates released by Adobe, specifically addressing the versions mentioned in the CVE description. Additional defensive measures should involve implementing email filtering solutions to block suspicious PDF attachments, deploying network monitoring tools to detect anomalous PDF processing activities, and conducting security awareness training for users to recognize potentially malicious PDF documents. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted PDF documents and establish network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-284 emphasizes the importance of proper access control mechanisms and highlights the need for continuous security assessments of PDF processing capabilities within enterprise environments.