CVE-2016-1051 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-2016-1046, CVE-2016-1047, CVE-2016-1048, CVE-2016-1049, CVE-2016-1050, 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 CVE-2016-1051 vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat products that affects multiple versions across different operating systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the memory management mechanisms within these applications, creating a condition where freed memory blocks are still accessed by the application's code. The flaw exists in the handling of specific file formats and processing operations that trigger the improper memory deallocation followed by subsequent access to the same memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user, potentially leading to full system compromise.
From a technical perspective, the use-after-free condition occurs when the Adobe application allocates memory for a specific object or data structure, processes that data, and then frees the memory block. However, due to inadequate memory management controls, the application continues to reference or access that freed memory location during subsequent operations. This creates a scenario where malicious input can manipulate the freed memory to inject and execute attacker-controlled code. The vulnerability manifests through unspecified vectors that typically involve crafted PDF files or specific document elements that trigger the flawed memory handling routines. This particular vulnerability is distinct from a series of related issues affecting the same product line, indicating it operates through different code paths and memory manipulation techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1051 is severe and far-reaching within enterprise and individual computing environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through social engineering campaigns that deliver malicious PDF files via email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. When victims open these crafted documents with vulnerable versions of Adobe Reader or Acrobat, the exploit can execute code remotely without requiring user interaction beyond document opening. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations where users frequently open PDF documents from untrusted sources. The exploit can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability affects both Windows and macOS platforms, increasing its potential attack surface across different operating environments.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE-416 classification, which specifically addresses use-after-free conditions in software applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for Windows Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish command execution capabilities. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Adobe products, including Acrobat 11.0.16 and later versions, Acrobat Reader DC Classic 15.006.30172 and later, and Acrobat Reader DC Continuous 15.016.20039 and later releases. Additional mitigations include implementing strict PDF file handling policies, deploying sandboxing solutions, and configuring email security appliances to scan and block potentially malicious PDF attachments. Network-based intrusion detection systems should also be updated to recognize exploit signatures associated with this vulnerability. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple product versions and release channels underscores the importance of comprehensive patch management programs and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar memory corruption issues in other software applications.