CVE-2015-7619 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The ANShareFile2 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-2015-7618, CVE-2015-7620, and CVE-2015-7623.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7619 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patch releases. This issue specifically affects the ANShareFile2 method implementation within the software's JavaScript API execution environment, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent established security restrictions that are typically enforced to prevent malicious code execution. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that differ from a comprehensive set of related security issues, indicating a unique attack surface that requires specialized analysis and mitigation approaches. The affected software spans multiple product lines including legacy versions 10.x and 11.x of Adobe Reader and Acrobat, as well as specific releases of the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Classic and Continuous editions.
The technical flaw resides in the improper validation and enforcement of JavaScript API execution restrictions within Adobe's document processing framework. When the ANShareFile2 method is invoked, the software fails to properly validate the execution context, allowing attackers to manipulate the JavaScript environment to execute restricted operations that should normally be prohibited. This bypass mechanism operates at the application layer where JavaScript security policies are enforced, potentially enabling attackers to access system resources or execute arbitrary code within the context of the running Adobe application. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with improper input validation and access control issues that fall under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems. The flaw essentially creates a privilege escalation path where maliciously crafted PDF documents can exploit the API restriction bypass to gain unauthorized capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7619 extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a significant compromise in Adobe's security architecture for document processing applications. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious JavaScript code that would otherwise be restricted, potentially leading to full system compromise through techniques such as arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or information disclosure. The vulnerability affects both Windows and OS X operating systems, indicating a cross-platform threat that requires comprehensive mitigation strategies. The security implications align with ATT&CK tactics such as privilege escalation and execution, where adversaries can leverage application-level vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious payloads. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is widely deployed for document handling and processing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7619 should prioritize immediate software updates to the patched versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat, specifically targeting the releases mentioned in the advisory. Organizations should implement network-based restrictions such as disabling JavaScript execution in PDF readers where possible, and employing sandboxing technologies to isolate PDF processing activities. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions and implement layered defense mechanisms including email filtering, web proxy configurations, and endpoint protection solutions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates the risks associated with legacy software deployments in enterprise environments. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls for PDF document handling, monitoring for suspicious JavaScript activity, and conducting regular security awareness training for users who interact with PDF documents. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted PDF processing software to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.