CVE-2016-1038 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Reader and Acrobat before 11.0.16, Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic before 15.006.30172, and Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Continuous before 15.016.20039 on Windows and OS X allow attackers to bypass JavaScript API execution restrictions via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1039, CVE-2016-1040, CVE-2016-1041, CVE-2016-1042, CVE-2016-1044, CVE-2016-1062, and CVE-2016-1117.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat products that undermines the JavaScript execution sandbox mechanism designed to prevent malicious code from accessing sensitive system functions. The issue affects multiple product versions including legacy releases and Adobe Acrobat DC Classic and Continuous editions across Windows and macOS platforms. The vulnerability specifically targets the JavaScript API execution restrictions that are fundamental to Adobe's security model for preventing unauthorized access to system resources through malicious PDF documents.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified vectors that allow attackers to bypass the JavaScript security controls that normally restrict access to sensitive API functions. These restrictions are implemented as part of Adobe's attempt to contain potential exploits within the PDF viewer environment, preventing malicious scripts from directly interacting with the underlying operating system or accessing protected resources. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages weaknesses in the JavaScript engine's security enforcement mechanisms, allowing attackers to execute restricted API calls that should normally be blocked by the sandbox.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Adobe Reader or Acrobat application. This bypass allows malicious actors to circumvent the security controls that are supposed to prevent access to system resources, potentially enabling them to perform actions such as file system access, registry manipulation, network communications, or other privileged operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates in a trusted environment where users expect to be protected from malicious content, making it a prime target for phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns.
The attack surface extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated system access. This vulnerability affects users who may encounter malicious PDF files in email attachments, web downloads, or other untrusted sources, making it particularly relevant in enterprise environments where PDF documents are commonly shared. The security implications align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, while also mapping to CWE-250 for execution of unintended code or commands.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Adobe, which address this specific vulnerability in the JavaScript execution sandbox. Additional defensive measures should include implementing PDF content filtering solutions, restricting user privileges when opening PDF files, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious PDF-related network traffic. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict the execution of untrusted PDF documents and ensure that users are educated about the risks of opening PDF files from unknown sources. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and highlights the ongoing challenges in securing complex software applications with extensive scripting capabilities.