CVE-2016-1074 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-2016-1064, CVE-2016-1071, CVE-2016-1072, CVE-2016-1073, 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
This vulnerability affects Adobe Reader and Acrobat products across multiple versions, presenting a critical security risk that enables remote code execution or denial of service through unspecified attack vectors. The flaw resides in the handling of malformed input within the PDF processing engine, specifically manifesting as memory corruption issues that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized system access or disrupt service availability. The vulnerability is distinct from numerous other CVEs published in the same timeframe, indicating a unique code path or memory handling mechanism that requires specific analysis and remediation approaches.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper memory management during PDF document parsing operations, where attacker-controlled input can trigger buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other memory corruption scenarios. These memory handling flaws typically occur when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input data from PDF files, allowing malicious actors to craft specially formatted documents that cause the application to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability affects both Windows and macOS operating systems, demonstrating the cross-platform nature of the memory corruption issue within Adobe's PDF processing libraries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to enterprise environments where Adobe Reader and Acrobat are widely deployed for document processing and viewing. Attackers can leverage this flaw through social engineering campaigns targeting end users with malicious PDF attachments, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The impact extends beyond individual user systems to entire organizational networks, as compromised endpoints can serve as launch points for lateral movement and broader security breaches. Organizations must consider the widespread deployment of these applications when assessing the potential scope of impact from exploitation attempts.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as Adobe released specific updates addressing this vulnerability in versions 11.0.16, 15.006.30172, and 15.016.20039 respectively. Mitigation strategies include implementing strict email filtering policies to block suspicious PDF attachments, disabling PDF processing in web browsers where possible, and deploying application whitelisting controls to prevent execution of untrusted PDF files. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) classifications, and maps to ATT&CK techniques including T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) when exploited in the wild. Organizations should also consider network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern.