CVE-2015-7618 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The CBAutoConfigCommentRepository 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-2015-7616, 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-2015-7618 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat products that specifically targets the JavaScript API execution restrictions within the CBAutoConfigCommentRepository method. This vulnerability affects multiple product 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. The flaw allows attackers to bypass JavaScript API execution restrictions through unspecified vectors, creating a significant security risk that could enable malicious code execution in the context of the victim's session. This vulnerability operates independently from several other related JavaScript sandbox bypass issues, making it a distinct threat vector that requires specific mitigation strategies.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies within the CBAutoConfigCommentRepository method, which is responsible for handling auto-configuration comments in the Adobe Acrobat environment. This method appears to contain insufficient validation or access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized JavaScript execution. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for attackers to circumvent the intended security boundaries that normally restrict what JavaScript code can access or execute within the Acrobat environment. The unspecified vectors suggest that the attack could potentially occur through various methods including malformed PDF files, embedded JavaScript code, or through manipulation of the auto-configuration processes that Adobe Reader uses to manage user preferences and settings.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the Acrobat environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The ability to bypass JavaScript API execution restrictions means that malicious actors could access sensitive system functions, read files, modify data, or even execute commands on the victim's machine. This vulnerability particularly affects Windows and OS X platforms, making it a cross-platform threat that could impact organizations using diverse operating systems. The security implications extend beyond simple code execution, as the bypass of API restrictions could allow for privilege escalation attacks or the exploitation of other vulnerabilities that might be present in the Acrobat environment. Organizations that rely heavily on PDF document processing and viewing would be particularly vulnerable to attacks exploiting this flaw.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7618 should include immediate patching of affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions to the latest available releases that contain the necessary security fixes. System administrators should implement strict PDF file validation processes and consider deploying sandboxing solutions to limit the potential impact of malicious PDF files. Network-level controls such as PDF file filtering and content inspection should be implemented to prevent the delivery of potentially malicious PDF documents to end users. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening untrusted PDF files and the importance of keeping software updated should be emphasized. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unauthorized JavaScript within the Acrobat environment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing security frameworks that follow these standardized threat modeling approaches.