CVE-2016-1042 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-2016-1038, CVE-2016-1039, CVE-2016-1040, CVE-2016-1041, 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 API execution restrictions designed to prevent malicious code from accessing sensitive system functions. The vulnerability affects multiple product versions including legacy Reader 11.0.15 and earlier, as well as various versions of Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic and Continuous releases. The flaw allows attackers to bypass security controls that normally restrict JavaScript API access, potentially enabling unauthorized execution of privileged operations. Unlike other vulnerabilities in the same advisory, this issue operates through distinct attack vectors that specifically target the JavaScript sandbox mechanism.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits weaknesses in the JavaScript engine's privilege separation mechanisms, allowing attackers to execute restricted API calls that should normally be blocked by the security model. This bypass occurs through unspecified vectors that typically involve manipulating the JavaScript execution environment to circumvent the normal API access controls. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the security model's enforcement mechanisms, where the system fails to properly validate or restrict JavaScript API calls based on the execution context. This represents a classic sandbox escape scenario that can be classified under CWE-250 Execution of Code with Unusual Privileges, where malicious code operates with elevated privileges beyond what is intended.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to perform actions that would normally be restricted within the Adobe Reader and Acrobat environment. An attacker could potentially access system resources, execute arbitrary code, or perform operations that compromise the integrity of the system. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may open malicious PDF documents containing exploit code. The attack surface extends across multiple platforms including Windows and OS X operating systems, making it a cross-platform threat. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework would align with techniques involving privilege escalation and code execution within application contexts, specifically targeting the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Organizations should immediately deploy patches provided by Adobe to address this vulnerability, as the risk of exploitation increases with the presence of unpatched systems. Security teams should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations are kept current with security updates. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing layered security controls to protect against such sophisticated attacks. Regular security assessments should include verification of Adobe product installations and their compliance with security baselines. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted PDF documents remains crucial in mitigating the risk of exploitation.