CVE-2016-1009 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Reader and Acrobat before 11.0.15, Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic before 15.006.30121, and Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Continuous before 15.010.20060 on Windows and OS X allow attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1007.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2022
Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions prior to the specified patches contain a critical memory corruption vulnerability that enables remote code execution and denial of service attacks. This vulnerability affects multiple product lines including legacy versions 11.0.14 and earlier, as well as Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic versions 15.006.30120 and earlier, and DC Continuous versions 15.010.20060 and earlier across both Windows and macOS operating systems. The flaw manifests through unspecified attack vectors that differ from the related CVE-2016-1007 vulnerability, indicating a distinct code path that could be exploited by malicious actors. The memory corruption issue typically arises when processing specially crafted PDF files that contain malformed data structures, leading to unpredictable behavior in the application's memory management subsystem. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-119 category of "Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 "Exploitation for Client Execution" which describes how adversaries exploit software vulnerabilities to execute code on target systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise and complete denial of service conditions. When exploited successfully, attackers can gain arbitrary code execution privileges within the context of the Adobe application, potentially allowing them to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The memory corruption nature of the vulnerability means that the application may crash or behave unpredictably, leading to denial of service conditions that disrupt legitimate user operations and business processes. The vulnerability affects both Windows and macOS platforms, indicating a cross-platform threat that requires comprehensive security measures across different operating environments. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is commonly used for document sharing and viewing, as it can serve as an initial compromise vector for broader network attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of all affected Adobe products to the latest versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement strict document handling policies that restrict the opening of PDF files from untrusted sources and consider deploying sandboxing solutions to isolate PDF processing activities. Network security controls such as web proxies and content filtering systems should be configured to scan and block suspicious PDF content before it reaches end-user systems. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that all systems are properly updated and that no legacy versions remain in use. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software patches and highlights the risks associated with using outdated software components in enterprise environments. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and maintain incident response procedures that account for potential exploitation attempts targeting these specific Adobe versions.