CVE-2016-1046 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in 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 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1045, CVE-2016-1047, CVE-2016-1048, CVE-2016-1049, CVE-2016-1050, CVE-2016-1051, CVE-2016-1052, CVE-2016-1053, CVE-2016-1054, CVE-2016-1055, CVE-2016-1056, CVE-2016-1057, CVE-2016-1058, CVE-2016-1059, CVE-2016-1060, CVE-2016-1061, CVE-2016-1065, CVE-2016-1066, CVE-2016-1067, CVE-2016-1068, CVE-2016-1069, CVE-2016-1070, CVE-2016-1075, CVE-2016-1094, CVE-2016-1121, CVE-2016-1122, CVE-2016-4102, and CVE-2016-4107.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1046 represents a critical use-after-free condition affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat products across multiple versions. This flaw exists within the memory management mechanisms of these applications, specifically in how they handle object references and memory deallocation processes. The vulnerability manifests when the software attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed, creating opportunities for malicious code execution. The affected products include Adobe Reader versions prior to 11.0.16, Acrobat versions before 11.0.16, and various DC versions before their respective patch releases. The vulnerability affects both Windows and macOS operating systems, demonstrating the cross-platform nature of the memory management flaw.
The technical implementation of this use-after-free vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory objects during document processing operations. When parsing certain PDF files, the affected Adobe applications fail to properly validate object references before accessing them, leading to scenarios where freed memory blocks are accessed by subsequent operations. This condition allows attackers to manipulate the memory layout and potentially inject or redirect execution flow to malicious code. The vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that likely involve crafted PDF documents containing malformed objects or specific sequences of operations that trigger the memory management error. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-416 which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software implementations. The flaw represents a fundamental memory safety issue that violates basic programming principles of proper resource management and object lifecycle handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1046 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it enables attackers to achieve complete system compromise when successfully exploited. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, typically running with user-level permissions but potentially escalating to system-level access. The attack vector primarily involves social engineering through phishing campaigns or malicious document delivery, where users open compromised PDF files. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to data theft, system infiltration, and deployment of additional malware. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability corresponds to technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The widespread adoption of Adobe Reader across enterprise and consumer environments makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as a single compromised user can potentially affect entire networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1046 focus primarily on immediate patch deployment and application hardening measures. Adobe released security updates for all affected versions, including specific patches for Reader 11.0.16, Acrobat 11.0.16, and various DC versions. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these patches across all affected systems to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies can help prevent execution of untrusted PDF files, while sandboxing mechanisms provide additional layers of protection by isolating PDF processing operations from core system resources. Network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help identify and block malicious PDF files before they reach end-user systems. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual memory access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper memory management practices in preventing exploitation of fundamental software flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to reduce the risk of successful social engineering attacks that deliver malicious PDF content.