CVE-2016-1088 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-2016-1074, 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-2016-1093, 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 • 10/21/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting multiple versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat software across Windows and macOS platforms. The issue stems from improper handling of certain input data structures within the PDF processing engine, creating opportunities for remote code execution or denial of service conditions. Unlike other vulnerabilities in the same year, this particular flaw operates through distinct attack vectors that exploit memory management weaknesses in the application's parsing routines. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 11.0.16 for traditional Acrobat Reader, and before 15.006.30172 for Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic, as well as before 15.016.20039 for the Continuous version. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability aligns with common weakness patterns identified in CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which addresses heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious PDF documents that trigger the flawed memory handling routines when processed by the affected software versions.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1088 extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full system compromise potential through remote code execution. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially leading to complete system takeover. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is commonly used for document processing. The attack surface is broad as PDF files are frequently shared via email attachments, web downloads, and document repositories. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of exploitation through spear-phishing campaigns or compromised websites delivering malicious PDF content. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple software versions and operating systems increases the attack surface considerably, making it a prime target for automated exploitation tools. Security researchers have documented similar patterns in exploit kits that target memory corruption vulnerabilities in document readers, leveraging the widespread use of these applications to maximize impact.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1088 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations to the latest available versions. Organizations should implement network-based controls such as PDF file filtering and content validation to reduce exposure to malicious documents. The implementation of sandboxing technologies can provide additional protection by isolating PDF processing operations from core system resources. Security teams should also consider disabling PDF processing capabilities in web browsers where possible, as many attacks exploit browser-based PDF viewers. System administrators should monitor for indicators of compromise including unusual network connections or file access patterns that might suggest exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves legitimate user execution through malicious file delivery, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations should also implement regular vulnerability scanning to identify unpatched systems and establish incident response procedures specifically for PDF-based exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched versions to ensure compatibility with existing document workflows while maintaining security posture.