CVE-2016-3319 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The PDF library in Microsoft Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows 10 Gold and 1511, and Microsoft Edge allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PDF file, aka "Microsoft PDF Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2022
The Microsoft PDF Remote Code Execution Vulnerability CVE-2016-3319 represents a critical security flaw in the PDF handling components of multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems and Microsoft Edge browser. This vulnerability exists within the PDF library implementation that processes PDF files across these platforms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw specifically targets the parsing and rendering mechanisms used by Windows to handle PDF documents, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of PDF files in both corporate and personal environments. Attackers can craft specially designed PDF files that, when opened by vulnerable systems, trigger the execution of malicious code without requiring user interaction beyond opening the document.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory handling within the PDF processing library. When a crafted PDF file is processed, the library fails to properly validate the structure and content of the document, leading to memory corruption conditions that can be exploited to overwrite critical memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 vulnerability category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The flaw typically manifests through improper handling of malformed PDF objects, particularly in how the library manages memory allocation for different PDF elements such as streams, dictionaries, and cross-reference tables. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level within the PDF rendering engine, allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain full system control.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3319 extends far beyond individual system compromise, as it affects a broad range of Microsoft Windows deployments including Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows 10, and Microsoft Edge browser environments. Organizations running these affected systems face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within their networks. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means attackers can exploit it through email attachments, web downloads, or any method that delivers a malicious PDF file to an affected system. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where PDF files are frequently exchanged through email systems, document sharing platforms, and web-based applications. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that Microsoft Edge browser, which is integrated into Windows 10, also contains the vulnerable PDF library, making it a vector for attacks even on systems that don't typically use external PDF viewers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-3319 require immediate implementation of Microsoft security patches and updates to address the underlying memory corruption issues in the PDF library. Organizations should prioritize patching their systems as soon as Microsoft releases security updates, as the vulnerability remains exploitable until the fix is applied. Network administrators should implement additional protective measures including PDF file scanning, email filtering, and content validation to prevent malicious PDF files from reaching end users. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1203 technique for exploitation of remote services, and organizations should monitor for suspicious PDF file handling activities. Additionally, implementing security controls such as sandboxing PDF processing, disabling PDF rendering in web browsers, and restricting user permissions can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions and implement network segmentation to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against sophisticated remote code execution threats that target core system components.