CVE-2015-8458 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in AGM.dll 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 execute arbitrary code via a multiple-layer PDF document, a different vulnerability than CVE-2015-6696 and CVE-2015-6698.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2022
The heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8458 represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patch releases. This vulnerability specifically affects AGM.dll component within Adobe's document processing framework and manifests when processing multiple-layer PDF documents. The flaw exists in the memory management handling of complex PDF structures, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate heap memory allocation patterns through crafted malicious documents. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for arbitrary code execution on affected systems, making it a prime target for exploitation in targeted attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the AGM.dll library when processing nested or multi-layered PDF content. When Adobe Reader or Acrobat encounters a PDF document containing multiple layers or complex embedded structures, the software fails to properly validate the size of data being written to heap-allocated memory regions. This inadequate input validation creates a condition where attacker-controlled data can overflow into adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting critical program structures or function pointers. The heap-based nature of this vulnerability means that the overflow occurs in dynamically allocated memory areas, making exploitation more challenging but not impossible for skilled attackers who can control the memory layout through precise payload construction.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8458 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass full system compromise in targeted scenarios. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable Adobe software, potentially leading to data exfiltration, persistence mechanisms establishment, or further network reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability affects multiple product lines including legacy Acrobat 10.x and 11.x versions, as well as early releases of Adobe Acrobat and Reader DC Classic and Continuous editions. This broad impact scope makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where these applications are commonly deployed across various departments and user groups. The fact that this vulnerability is distinct from CVE-2015-6696 and CVE-2015-6698 indicates that attackers have multiple pathways to exploit similar memory corruption weaknesses within Adobe's PDF processing stack.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in PDF processing security where complex document structures can create unexpected memory management scenarios. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and consider implementing additional security controls such as PDF sandboxing, content filtering, and user access restrictions to limit exposure while patches are deployed. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing robust patch management processes to protect against known exploits in widely used software applications.