CVE-2015-6720 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The ANRunSharedReviewEmailStep 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-2015-6717, CVE-2015-6718, CVE-2015-6719, 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-2015-6720 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patch releases. This vulnerability specifically affects the ANRunSharedReviewEmailStep method which operates within the shared review email functionality of these applications. The flaw allows attackers to circumvent JavaScript API execution restrictions that are typically enforced to prevent malicious code execution within the PDF processing environment. This bypass mechanism operates across multiple platform versions including Windows and OS X operating systems, making it particularly dangerous due to its widespread impact potential. The vulnerability exists independently from several other related security flaws within the same timeframe, indicating a distinct code path or implementation issue that requires separate mitigation strategies.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of JavaScript execution contexts within the shared review email processing workflow. When users interact with PDF documents containing malicious embedded content, the ANRunSharedReviewEmailStep method fails to properly enforce security boundaries that would normally restrict access to privileged JavaScript APIs. This allows attackers to execute restricted JavaScript functions that should otherwise be unavailable to embedded content, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution within the application context. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the attack surface may involve multiple pathways including document parsing, user interaction triggers, or specific document state conditions that can be manipulated by adversaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation and code execution flaws that can be classified as CWE-264, which encompasses permissions, privileges, and access controls issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6720 is significant as it provides attackers with a means to execute malicious JavaScript code within the context of Adobe Reader and Acrobat applications. This capability can lead to complete system compromise when users open maliciously crafted PDF documents, particularly in environments where these applications are frequently used for document review and collaboration. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple versions of Adobe's software products including both traditional and newer DC (Dynamic Continuous) versions, indicating that the flaw exists across different product lines and update cycles. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability through social engineering campaigns where users are tricked into opening malicious PDF files, potentially leading to data theft, system infiltration, or deployment of additional malware. The attack vector typically involves user interaction with compromised documents, making it particularly challenging to defend against in enterprise environments where document sharing is common.
Organizations and users affected by CVE-2015-6720 should immediately implement mitigation strategies focusing on both software updates and operational security measures. The primary recommended action is to update to the patched versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat as specified in the advisory, which includes versions 10.1.16 and 11.0.13 for traditional releases, and specific DC versions for continuous updates. Additionally, security administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of Adobe Reader and Acrobat in high-risk environments, along with enhanced email filtering to prevent delivery of potentially malicious PDF attachments. Network-level defenses should include monitoring for suspicious PDF file characteristics and implementing sandboxing techniques for document processing. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution of malicious code, specifically targeting the application execution and persistence phases of an attack lifecycle. The vulnerability also aligns with defensive strategies focused on patch management and application hardening to prevent exploitation of known security flaws in widely used software applications.