CVE-2016-7889 in Digital Editions
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Digital Editions versions 4.5.2 and earlier has an issue with parsing crafted XML entries that could lead to information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2022
Adobe Digital Editions version 4.5.2 and earlier contains a vulnerability in its XML parsing implementation that could enable unauthorized information disclosure through crafted malicious XML entries. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's XML processing routines, creating a potential attack vector for adversaries seeking to extract sensitive data from affected systems. The flaw manifests when the application processes malformed XML content that triggers unexpected behavior in the parsing engine, potentially exposing internal system information or data structures to unauthorized parties.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-22, covering path traversal issues that can occur during XML processing. When Adobe Digital Editions encounters specially crafted XML entries, the parsing mechanism fails to properly sanitize the input, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially access information that should remain confidential. This type of vulnerability typically falls under the category of information disclosure flaws that can be exploited through carefully constructed malicious inputs.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7889 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can potentially enable more sophisticated attacks when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to sensitive information stored within the application's memory space or file system, including user credentials, document metadata, or system configuration details. This information disclosure could facilitate further attacks, such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within a network environment where Adobe Digital Editions is deployed.
Organizations using Adobe Digital Editions should prioritize immediate remediation through official patches provided by Adobe, as the vulnerability represents a significant security risk in environments where digital content management systems are critical. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059, which covers command and control communications, as the information disclosure could enable attackers to better understand system configurations and plan subsequent attacks. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls around systems running Adobe Digital Editions can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments should include verification of patched versions to ensure complete remediation.