CVE-2015-6725 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The ANSendForSharedReview 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-2015-6722, CVE-2015-6723, CVE-2015-6724, 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-2015-6725 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patch releases. This issue affects multiple product lines 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. The flaw specifically resides in the ANSendForSharedReview method, which is responsible for handling shared review functionality within the PDF processing framework. This vulnerability operates as a bypass mechanism that allows malicious actors to circumvent JavaScript API execution restrictions that are normally enforced by the software's security model.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves an unspecified vector that enables attackers to execute JavaScript code outside of the intended security boundaries established by Adobe's implementation. This represents a significant deviation from typical sandboxing mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized code execution within PDF documents. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-254 as a "Security Feature Bypass" which directly impacts the software's ability to maintain proper access controls and execution restrictions. The flaw operates at the application level rather than at the operating system level, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages the trusted software environment to execute malicious payloads.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations that rely on Adobe Reader and Acrobat for document processing and sharing. Attackers could exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code within the context of the user's session, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a fundamental flaw in the software's security architecture that undermines the integrity of the entire PDF processing environment. The fact that this vulnerability affects multiple versions and platforms indicates a systemic issue within Adobe's implementation rather than an isolated incident. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution, allowing adversaries to leverage legitimate software functionality for malicious purposes.
The exploitation of CVE-2015-6725 typically involves crafting malicious PDF documents that trigger the vulnerable ANSendForSharedReview method, thereby bypassing JavaScript security restrictions. This allows attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code that would normally be blocked by the software's security controls. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple product versions and operating systems suggests that Adobe's security model was fundamentally flawed in how it handled shared review functionality and JavaScript execution boundaries. Organizations using affected versions should consider this vulnerability as a critical threat requiring immediate remediation. The vulnerability's classification as a security feature bypass makes it particularly dangerous as it undermines the core security assumptions that users rely upon when processing PDF documents.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to the patched versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat software. Adobe released security updates that addressed this specific bypass mechanism by strengthening the JavaScript API execution restrictions and improving the validation of shared review operations. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems are updated promptly. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious PDF content. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors. Given the nature of the vulnerability and its potential for system compromise, organizations should also consider conducting security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts that may have occurred before patch deployment.