CVE-2015-7616 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The ANVerifyComments 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-2015-6725, CVE-2015-7614, 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-2015-7616 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 vulnerability resides within the ANVerifyComments method which is responsible for handling comment verification processes in PDF documents. This flaw allows malicious actors to circumvent JavaScript API execution restrictions that are normally enforced by the software's security model, creating a significant bypass opportunity for attackers who wish to execute unauthorized code within the application environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the ANVerifyComments method. When processing PDF documents containing malicious JavaScript code, the vulnerable software fails to properly enforce the restrictions that should normally prevent arbitrary code execution. This allows attackers to craft specially designed PDF files that can execute JavaScript commands beyond the intended security boundaries. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that differ from several other related vulnerabilities in the same timeframe, indicating a unique exploitation pathway that requires specific conditions to be effective. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor within the application's comment handling functionality that can be leveraged to execute malicious code without proper authorization.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations that rely on Adobe Reader and Acrobat for document processing and viewing. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on target systems when users open maliciously crafted PDF files, leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects both Windows and OS X operating systems, expanding the potential attack surface significantly. Organizations using older versions of Adobe products face substantial risk of data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it operates at the application level where users typically have elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for enterprise security.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including prompt patching of affected Adobe software versions to address this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as PDF content filtering, restricted user privileges for PDF handling applications, and network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious PDF file patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 access control weaknesses and maps to ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and code execution through document-based attacks. Regular security assessments should include verification of Adobe product versions and patch compliance to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing technologies for PDF processing to contain potential exploitation attempts and limit the impact of successful attacks on their systems.