CVE-2016-1119 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-2016-1095, CVE-2016-1116, CVE-2016-1118, 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
This vulnerability affects Adobe Reader and Acrobat products across multiple versions, representing a critical memory corruption flaw that enables remote code execution or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability exists in the processing of malformed PDF files and occurs within the software's handling of unspecified vector inputs, distinguishing it from numerous other related vulnerabilities that were concurrently being addressed. The flaw resides in the core parsing and rendering mechanisms of Adobe's PDF processing engine, where improper memory management leads to potential exploitation through crafted malicious documents. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by enticing victims to open specially crafted PDF files, which then trigger memory corruption during document processing. The vulnerability impacts both Windows and macOS operating systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these platforms coexist.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common software security weaknesses such as those categorized under CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write conditions. These memory corruption issues typically arise from insufficient bounds checking during buffer operations and can be exploited through various attack vectors including heap-based and stack-based overflows. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with the attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique T1203, which involves exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters. The memory corruption occurs during normal document processing operations, making detection difficult and exploitation particularly stealthy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to include full system compromise when successfully exploited. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects widely deployed software across numerous organizations, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to maximize impact. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where users regularly open PDF documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's presence in both classic and continuous deployment versions of Acrobat DC indicates that the flaw exists across multiple software delivery models, complicating remediation efforts.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including prompt patching of all affected Adobe products to version 11.0.16 or later for classic versions, and 15.006.30172 or later for DC versions. Network segmentation and email filtering should be enhanced to prevent delivery of potentially malicious PDF attachments, with particular attention to documents from untrusted sources. Security monitoring should include detection of PDF file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual file sizes or embedded content. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue necessitates regular memory integrity checks and application sandboxing to limit potential damage. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening unexpected PDF files and the importance of keeping software updated remains crucial in defending against this and similar vulnerabilities.