CVE-2016-1090 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path 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 local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse resource in an unspecified directory, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1087 and CVE-2016-4106.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
This vulnerability represents a classic untrusted search path issue that affects Adobe Reader and Acrobat products across multiple versions and operating systems. The flaw stems from improper handling of resource loading sequences where the application searches for required libraries or components in a predetermined order of directories without adequate validation of the source or integrity of the resources found. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the software encounters a Trojan horse resource in an unspecified directory, allowing malicious actors to place crafted files in locations that the application will automatically load and execute without proper authorization. This represents a significant privilege escalation risk that operates under the common weakness enumeration CWE-426, which catalogs insecure library loading practices and path traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where applications may have elevated privileges, and the attack vector leverages the trust model inherent in how software resolves dependencies.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to place malicious resources in directories that Adobe Reader or Acrobat will traverse during normal operation, typically through the system PATH or application-specific search paths. This creates a window where legitimate applications can be tricked into executing malicious code from locations outside the expected application directory structure. The attack scenario involves local users who have access to the system and can manipulate file placement, potentially leading to privilege escalation from standard user to administrator or system level access. The vulnerability operates under the attack technique AT-CK-0027 which describes the exploitation of trusted relationships and legitimate system components to bypass security controls. The specific nature of the vulnerability differs from related issues CVE-2016-1087 and CVE-2016-4106, indicating that while multiple vulnerabilities may exist within the same product family, each requires distinct mitigation approaches and security considerations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass broader system compromise and data integrity risks. When successfully exploited, local users can potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, which may lead to complete system takeover or unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability affects both Windows and OS X platforms, demonstrating the cross-platform nature of the issue and requiring consistent mitigation strategies across different operating environments. Organizations using affected Adobe products face significant risk exposure, particularly in enterprise environments where user access controls may be less restrictive. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple product versions and release cycles indicates a fundamental flaw in how the applications handle library loading and resource resolution that requires comprehensive patching and system hardening. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability alongside other privilege escalation techniques and implement layered defenses including application whitelisting, restricted user permissions, and regular security updates to prevent exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass both immediate patching and long-term architectural improvements. Adobe released updates addressing this specific issue in versions 11.0.16 and later, requiring organizations to maintain current software versions and implement automated update mechanisms. System administrators should consider implementing additional controls such as directory permissions, application control policies, and monitoring for suspicious file placement activities in system directories. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper resource validation, particularly in applications that handle external libraries or components. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unauthorized changes to critical system directories and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments should include verification of proper library loading practices and search path configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other applications or system components. The remediation process must also consider the broader security posture of systems using Adobe products, including network segmentation and user access controls that limit the potential impact of privilege escalation attacks.