CVE-2016-1092 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 obtain sensitive information from process memory via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1079.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2024
This vulnerability affects Adobe Reader and Acrobat software versions prior to specific patch releases, creating a significant information disclosure risk that could expose sensitive process memory contents to unauthorized attackers. The flaw exists in the memory handling mechanisms of these applications across both Windows and macOS operating systems, representing a critical security weakness that differs from the closely related CVE-2016-1079 vulnerability. The unspecified vectors through which attackers can access process memory suggest a fundamental flaw in how these applications manage memory allocation and access control, potentially allowing malicious actors to extract confidential data that should remain protected within application processes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information through information disclosure flaws. Attackers can exploit this weakness to obtain sensitive data from process memory, potentially including authentication tokens, personal information, or other confidential data that applications store during normal operation. This type of vulnerability represents a serious concern for enterprise environments where Adobe Reader and Acrobat are widely deployed, as the extracted information could be used for further attacks or to compromise user accounts and system integrity. The vulnerability exists in the core memory management functions of these applications, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a fundamental level of application operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted memory contents could contain sensitive data that enables more sophisticated attacks. Organizations using affected versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat face increased risk of data breaches, credential theft, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability affects both traditional and continuous deployment models of Adobe Acrobat products, indicating a widespread issue across the product line that requires immediate attention. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of broader threat modeling exercises, particularly in environments where users frequently process sensitive documents that may contain information accessible through memory inspection.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat versions, with particular attention to the specific patch versions mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and consider restricting Adobe Reader functionality in high-security environments through sandboxing or other containment measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper application lifecycle management, as memory-related flaws often represent persistent security risks that require ongoing vigilance. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other software components. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive memory safety practices in software development and the importance of maintaining current security patches across all enterprise applications.