CVE-2015-7623 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
The ANAuthenticateResource 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-2015-7619, and CVE-2015-7620.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7623 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software implementations that specifically targets the ANAuthenticateResource method. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of Adobe's document processing applications including 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 operates within the JavaScript API execution environment and allows unauthorized access to restricted functionality through unspecified attack vectors that differ from several other contemporaneous vulnerabilities in the same software ecosystem.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in how the ANAuthenticateResource method handles authentication and authorization processes within the Adobe Reader and Acrobat frameworks. When processing certain PDF documents, the method fails to properly validate or enforce JavaScript API execution restrictions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended security controls. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that operates at the application layer, specifically targeting the sandboxing mechanisms that should isolate potentially dangerous JavaScript code from the underlying operating system. The flaw essentially allows attackers to execute restricted JavaScript functions that should normally be disabled or restricted, enabling them to access system resources and perform actions that violate the intended security boundaries of the application.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7623 is significant as it provides attackers with the capability to circumvent JavaScript security restrictions that are fundamental to protecting users from malicious PDF content. This vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Adobe Reader or Acrobat application, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to bypass the normal security controls that prevent JavaScript from accessing system resources, reading files, or executing commands on the victim's machine. The vulnerability affects both Windows and OS X operating systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple platforms may be in use. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe software are at risk of targeted attacks where malicious PDF documents could be used to deliver malware or establish persistent access to compromised systems.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability according to CWE standards as a weakness in the implementation of access control mechanisms, specifically related to insufficient validation of security restrictions. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and CWE-250, which deals with execution of unknown programs or commands. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution of malicious code through application-specific exploits. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates within the legitimate PDF processing functionality that users expect to work normally, making it difficult to detect through traditional security monitoring approaches. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and implementing additional security controls such as sandboxing, application whitelisting, and network-based protections to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software patches and implementing layered security approaches to protect against sophisticated attacks targeting application-specific security flaws.