CVE-2016-6940 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Reader and Acrobat before 11.0.18, Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Classic before 15.006.30243, and Acrobat and Acrobat Reader DC Continuous before 15.020.20039 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-2016-6941, CVE-2016-6942, CVE-2016-6943, CVE-2016-6947, CVE-2016-6948, CVE-2016-6950, CVE-2016-6951, CVE-2016-6954, CVE-2016-6955, CVE-2016-6956, CVE-2016-6959, CVE-2016-6960, CVE-2016-6966, CVE-2016-6970, CVE-2016-6972, CVE-2016-6973, CVE-2016-6974, CVE-2016-6975, CVE-2016-6976, CVE-2016-6977, CVE-2016-6978, CVE-2016-6995, CVE-2016-6996, CVE-2016-6997, CVE-2016-6998, CVE-2016-7000, CVE-2016-7001, CVE-2016-7002, CVE-2016-7003, CVE-2016-7004, CVE-2016-7005, CVE-2016-7006, CVE-2016-7007, CVE-2016-7008, CVE-2016-7009, CVE-2016-7010, CVE-2016-7011, CVE-2016-7012, CVE-2016-7013, CVE-2016-7014, CVE-2016-7015, CVE-2016-7016, CVE-2016-7017, CVE-2016-7018, and CVE-2016-7019.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2022
This vulnerability affects Adobe Reader and Acrobat products across multiple versions, creating a critical security risk that enables remote code execution or denial of service through unspecified attack vectors. The flaw exists in the processing of maliciously crafted PDF files, where memory corruption occurs during document parsing operations. This vulnerability is distinct from a series of related issues identified in the same advisory cycle, indicating that it represents a unique code path or memory handling mechanism within the affected applications. The vulnerability impacts both Windows and macOS operating systems, expanding the potential attack surface significantly. According to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which describes weaknesses in memory handling that allow for buffer overflows or memory corruption attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects widely deployed software used for document viewing across enterprise and consumer environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves memory corruption that can be triggered when Adobe Reader or Acrobat processes malformed PDF content. Attackers can craft malicious PDF files that, when opened by vulnerable versions of the software, cause memory corruption leading to arbitrary code execution. The memory corruption typically occurs during parsing operations where the application fails to properly validate input data or manage memory allocation for PDF elements. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through social engineering attacks where users are tricked into opening malicious documents. The exploitation mechanism often involves manipulating PDF objects, streams, or cross-reference tables in ways that cause the application to write beyond allocated memory boundaries or execute unintended code paths. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework would map to techniques involving execution through compromised applications and privilege escalation through memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to include complete system compromise. When successfully exploited, attackers can gain arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is commonly used for document sharing and collaboration. Organizations that rely heavily on PDF document processing face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited through email attachments, web downloads, or malicious document sharing. The memory corruption aspect means that even if immediate exploitation is not possible, the vulnerability can be used as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks or as part of a broader exploitation chain. The widespread deployment of affected software versions across different industries creates a substantial risk profile for organizations that have not yet patched their systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations, with particular attention to the specific version ranges mentioned in the advisory. Organizations should implement network-based protections such as PDF content filtering and sandboxing solutions to reduce the risk of exploitation. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response capabilities that can identify suspicious behavior patterns associated with memory corruption attacks. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify any remaining vulnerable systems within the organization's infrastructure. The patching process should be prioritized based on risk assessment, with critical systems receiving immediate attention. Additionally, user education programs should be implemented to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that could leverage this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted PDF files and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's nature as a memory corruption issue makes it particularly suitable for exploitation through automated attack tools, emphasizing the need for proactive security measures and rapid response protocols.