CVE-2016-4097 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-2016-1119, 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-2016-4098, 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 • 10/23/2024
Adobe Reader and Acrobat products have long been prime targets for cyber adversaries due to their widespread deployment and the complex nature of PDF processing. CVE-2016-4097 represents a critical memory corruption vulnerability that affects multiple versions of Adobe's desktop applications across Windows and macOS platforms. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of software flaws that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these applications are routinely used to process documents from untrusted sources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory structures during PDF parsing operations, specifically within the JavaScript engine and object processing components of Adobe's Acrobat software. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious PDF files that trigger memory corruption when the application attempts to render or process specific elements within the document. The vulnerability's classification as a memory corruption issue aligns with common attack patterns documented in the attack technique framework, particularly those related to heap-based buffer overflows and memory management errors. This type of flaw typically manifests when the application fails to properly validate input data or when it performs operations that exceed allocated memory boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4097 extends beyond simple exploitation capabilities to encompass significant risks for organizations relying on Adobe Reader and Acrobat for document handling. In practice, this vulnerability can be leveraged to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in both classic and continuous deployment models of Adobe Acrobat DC means that organizations must consider multiple attack vectors and update strategies. The memory corruption aspect also makes this vulnerability particularly challenging to detect and prevent, as it may not immediately manifest during normal operation but can be triggered by specific document structures or user interactions.
Organizations should implement comprehensive mitigation strategies that include immediate patching of affected versions, deployment of network-based protections, and enhanced user awareness training. The vulnerability's relationship to other CVEs in the same timeframe indicates that attackers may be using coordinated exploitation campaigns targeting multiple weaknesses within the Adobe ecosystem. Security teams should consider implementing sandboxing solutions and restricting PDF processing to trusted sources where possible. The ATT&CK framework would classify this vulnerability under techniques related to exploitation for code execution, particularly in the context of malicious document delivery and privilege escalation. Additionally, compliance with industry standards such as those outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) database, specifically CWE-125 for out-of-bounds read and CWE-787 for out-of-bounds write, helps organizations understand and address the root causes of such memory corruption vulnerabilities. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of PDF processing capabilities to identify potential exploitation paths and ensure that defensive measures remain effective against evolving attack techniques.