CVE-2016-1044 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-2016-1042, 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 allows attackers to circumvent JavaScript API execution restrictions through unspecified vectors. The vulnerability affects multiple product versions including Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions prior to 11.0.16, as well as Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic and Continuous versions before 15.006.30172 and 15.016.20039 respectively, across both Windows and OS X operating systems. The flaw specifically targets the JavaScript security mechanisms that are designed to prevent malicious code from accessing sensitive system functions and APIs.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of JavaScript API calls within the Adobe Acrobat and Reader runtime environments. When users open malicious PDF documents, the attacker can exploit this weakness to execute restricted JavaScript functions that should normally be blocked by the security sandbox. This bypass allows unauthorized access to system resources, potentially enabling attackers to perform actions such as file system access, network communication, and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the application level where JavaScript execution contexts are improperly validated, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to conduct sophisticated attacks against users of Adobe Reader and Acrobat products. Attackers can craft malicious PDF documents that, when opened by vulnerable applications, will execute malicious JavaScript code that bypasses standard security restrictions. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms being established on target systems. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects widely used productivity software, making it a prime target for targeted attacks and mass exploitation campaigns. The fact that it operates through PDF documents, which are commonly shared via email and web downloads, amplifies its potential impact across enterprise and individual users.
Organizations should immediately apply the security patches released by Adobe for the affected versions to mitigate this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation includes updating to Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions 11.0.16 or later, and Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic 15.006.30172 or later, and Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Continuous 15.016.20039 or later. Additionally, implementing network security controls such as PDF content filtering and email attachment scanning can provide defense-in-depth measures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution of malicious code through document-based attacks, specifically targeting the execution of JavaScript within sandboxed environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-250 which addresses execution of unintended code or commands, and represents a serious deviation from expected security boundaries in application sandboxing mechanisms. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement user education programs to avoid opening suspicious PDF attachments, as the vulnerability can be exploited through social engineering campaigns targeting end users.