CVE-2015-6722 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The CBSharedReviewStatusDialog 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-2015-6720, CVE-2015-6721, 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-2015-6722 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patch releases. This issue affects multiple product lines including the classic versions 10.x before 10.1.16 and 11.x before 11.0.13, as well as various Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC iterations. The vulnerability specifically targets the CBSharedReviewStatusDialog method which serves as a crucial component in the software's JavaScript execution environment. Security researchers have classified this as a bypass vulnerability that allows attackers to circumvent established JavaScript API execution restrictions that are normally enforced by the software's security model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the CBSharedReviewStatusDialog method. This flaw enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code that would normally be restricted by the application's security policies. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that differ from related issues in the same vulnerability family, making it particularly challenging to detect and mitigate. The underlying issue resides in how the software handles review status dialog interactions, where proper access controls fail to prevent unauthorized JavaScript execution. This represents a significant deviation from expected security boundaries that should normally protect against potentially harmful script execution within the application's sandboxed environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6722 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the capability to bypass multiple layers of JavaScript security controls. This vulnerability can potentially enable attackers to execute malicious payloads, access sensitive data, or perform unauthorized operations within the context of the affected applications. The implications are particularly severe given that Adobe Reader and Acrobat are widely deployed across enterprise environments, making this vulnerability a prime target for exploitation. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to documents, extract confidential information, or establish persistent access points within target networks. The vulnerability's presence in both Windows and OS X operating systems further amplifies its potential impact across diverse computing environments.
Security mitigations for CVE-2015-6722 primarily involve applying the official patches released by Adobe for the affected software versions. Organizations should immediately update to the patched versions including Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic 2015.006.30094 and Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Continuous 2015.009.20069. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates. Additionally, organizations can employ network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted JavaScript code. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-254 category related to security weaknesses in the execution environment and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution, highlighting the need for robust input validation and execution restriction mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing technologies and reducing JavaScript functionality within the application to minimize potential attack surface areas.