CVE-2016-1117 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 bypass JavaScript API execution restrictions via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-1038, CVE-2016-1039, CVE-2016-1040, CVE-2016-1041, CVE-2016-1042, CVE-2016-1044, and CVE-2016-1062.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical sandbox escape in Adobe Reader and Acrobat products that undermines the security model designed to isolate potentially malicious JavaScript code execution. The flaw allows attackers to bypass JavaScript API execution restrictions that are fundamental to preventing malicious code from accessing system resources or performing unauthorized operations. The vulnerability affects multiple product versions including legacy Reader 11.0.15 and earlier, as well as various Acrobat DC Classic and Continuous versions up to the specified build numbers on both Windows and macOS platforms. Unlike other related vulnerabilities in the same year, this specific issue involves distinct attack vectors that exploit different aspects of the JavaScript engine's security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the JavaScript sandbox mechanism that Adobe employs to restrict access to sensitive APIs and system functions. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary JavaScript code that would normally be blocked by the security restrictions, potentially enabling access to file system operations, network communications, and other privileged functions. This represents a significant elevation of privilege from the typical sandboxed JavaScript environment to full system access. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-250, which covers "Execute Code with Unrestricted Privileges," and its exploitation pattern matches techniques described in ATT&CK matrix under T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1068 for exploit development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can serve as a launching point for more sophisticated attacks targeting enterprise environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious payloads, establish persistence mechanisms, or perform data exfiltration from compromised systems. The affected software versions represent widely deployed applications across enterprise networks, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that have not yet patched their systems. The vulnerability's presence in both classic and continuous delivery versions of Acrobat DC indicates that the security model failure is systemic rather than isolated to specific product variants, suggesting a fundamental flaw in the JavaScript security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch deployment across all affected systems, as the window for exploitation remains open until the software is updated. Organizations should implement layered security controls including network monitoring for suspicious JavaScript activity, application whitelisting to restrict Adobe Reader execution, and regular security assessments of document handling processes. The vulnerability's exploitation often involves crafted PDF documents delivered via email or web downloads, making user education and email filtering critical components of defense. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing solutions that provide additional isolation layers beyond the native Adobe security model, as well as monitoring for unusual JavaScript API calls that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar security model weaknesses in other enterprise applications that might be similarly affected by JavaScript sandbox bypass techniques.