CVE-2016-1064 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 execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1037, CVE-2016-1063, CVE-2016-1071, CVE-2016-1072, CVE-2016-1073, CVE-2016-1074, CVE-2016-1076, CVE-2016-1077, CVE-2016-1078, CVE-2016-1080, CVE-2016-1081, CVE-2016-1082, CVE-2016-1083, CVE-2016-1084, CVE-2016-1085, CVE-2016-1086, CVE-2016-1088, CVE-2016-1093, CVE-2016-1095, CVE-2016-1116, CVE-2016-1118, CVE-2016-1119, CVE-2016-1120, CVE-2016-1123, CVE-2016-1124, CVE-2016-1125, CVE-2016-1126, CVE-2016-1127, CVE-2016-1128, CVE-2016-1129, CVE-2016-1130, CVE-2016-4088, CVE-2016-4089, CVE-2016-4090, CVE-2016-4093, CVE-2016-4094, CVE-2016-4096, CVE-2016-4097, CVE-2016-4098, CVE-2016-4099, CVE-2016-4100, CVE-2016-4101, CVE-2016-4103, CVE-2016-4104, and CVE-2016-4105.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2024
Adobe Reader and Acrobat products have long been targets for cyber attackers due to their widespread use and the complex nature of PDF processing. This particular vulnerability affects multiple versions of Adobe's document processing software across different platforms, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors. The vulnerability resides in the way these applications handle certain PDF elements, specifically involving memory corruption issues that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service conditions.
The technical flaw manifests through unspecified vectors that trigger memory corruption within the Adobe applications. This type of vulnerability typically occurs when applications fail to properly validate input data or manage memory allocation during PDF parsing operations. Memory corruption vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can lead to complete system compromise when exploited effectively. Attackers can craft malicious PDF files that, when opened by vulnerable versions of Adobe Reader or Acrobat, trigger buffer overflows or other memory management errors that allow code execution at the privilege level of the running application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across both Windows and macOS operating systems, making it a cross-platform threat that affects a broad user base. Organizations relying on these applications for document processing face significant risk as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or service disruption. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue aligns with common attack patterns described in the attack mitigation framework, where such flaws are often exploited through social engineering campaigns targeting end users.
Security researchers have identified this vulnerability as distinct from several other related issues affecting the same product line, indicating that it represents a unique code path or processing method that requires specific mitigation approaches. The vulnerability affects not only traditional desktop versions of the software but also the newer DC Classic and DC Continuous editions, demonstrating the widespread nature of the issue within Adobe's product ecosystem. Organizations must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability when implementing security controls, as it represents a fundamental flaw in how these applications process potentially malicious input data.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate application of Adobe's security patches, as the issue cannot be adequately addressed through network-level controls or user behavior modifications alone. This vulnerability's severity is consistent with attack patterns documented in various threat intelligence reports, where similar memory corruption issues have been weaponized in targeted attacks against government and enterprise networks. The vulnerability's presence in multiple product versions underscores the importance of comprehensive patch management strategies and highlights the challenges organizations face when maintaining security across diverse software ecosystems. Organizations should implement layered security approaches that include email filtering, web application firewalls, and user education to reduce the risk of exploitation while awaiting or implementing patches.
This vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in securing complex software applications that process untrusted data, particularly in environments where users regularly interact with PDF documents from unknown sources. The attack surface for such vulnerabilities extends beyond simple exploitation to include potential privilege escalation and lateral movement capabilities. Security teams must understand that vulnerabilities like this represent persistent threats that require continuous monitoring and rapid response capabilities. The vulnerability's classification aligns with common security frameworks and attack patterns, making it a critical component in understanding how attackers target document processing applications and the broader implications for enterprise security posture.