CVE-2016-1095 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-2016-1088, CVE-2016-1093, 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 • 10/22/2024
Adobe Reader and Acrobat products have long been prime targets for cyber attackers due to their widespread deployment and the complex nature of PDF processing. This particular vulnerability exists within multiple versions of Adobe's document processing software, affecting both legacy and modern releases across Windows and macOS platforms. The flaw represents a critical memory corruption issue that can be exploited to achieve arbitrary code execution or cause denial of service conditions. Unlike other vulnerabilities in the same CVE family, this specific weakness operates through distinct attack vectors that require careful exploitation techniques.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory structures during PDF document parsing operations. When Adobe Reader or Acrobat processes malformed PDF files, the software fails to properly validate memory allocations and deallocations, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents. This memory corruption can occur through various input vectors including embedded objects, streams, or malformed data structures within the PDF file itself. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through normal document opening operations, making it difficult for users to identify potentially malicious files until after exploitation has occurred.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is widely deployed. Attackers can craft specially designed PDF documents that, when opened by vulnerable software, will execute malicious code on the target system. The memory corruption aspect means that exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access. Additionally, the denial of service component can be used for disruption attacks, where legitimate users are prevented from accessing important documents or systems. Organizations that rely on PDF processing for business operations face substantial risk from this vulnerability, particularly in environments where users frequently open documents from untrusted sources.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory software updates to the latest versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat that contain patches for this vulnerability. System administrators should consider implementing additional controls such as PDF file scanning, restricted browsing environments, and user education programs to reduce exposure. Network-based protections can include filtering PDF files at perimeter defenses and implementing application whitelisting policies. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including execution through malicious file formats and privilege escalation through memory corruption exploits. Organizations should also reference CWE-125 for memory overrun issues and CWE-787 for out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities that are commonly associated with memory corruption flaws of this nature. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that all systems are properly patched and that no legacy installations remain exposed to this threat.