CVE-2017-11220 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.009.20058 and earlier, 2017.008.30051 and earlier, 2015.006.30306 and earlier, and 11.0.20 and earlier has an exploitable heap overflow vulnerability in an internal data structure. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
Adobe Acrobat Reader contains a critical heap overflow vulnerability that affects multiple versions including 2017.009.20058 and earlier, 2017.008.30051 and earlier, 2015.006.30306 and earlier, and 11.0.20 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in an internal data structure within the application's memory management system, specifically within the heap allocation mechanisms used for processing PDF documents. The flaw manifests when the application processes malformed or specially crafted PDF files that trigger improper memory handling during document parsing operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a heap-allocated buffer. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious PDF files that contain oversized data structures or malformed memory references that cause the heap to overflow. When the vulnerable application attempts to process such files, the overflow corrupts adjacent memory regions, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical program data or execution pointers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with a pathway for complete system compromise. Successful exploitation enables arbitrary code execution within the context of the Acrobat Reader application, which typically runs with the privileges of the current user. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution, as attackers can leverage the compromised application to execute malicious payloads. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where PDF documents are frequently shared and opened, creating numerous potential attack vectors for phishing campaigns or supply chain attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Adobe Acrobat Reader versions, as Adobe released security updates addressing this heap overflow issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all instances of the vulnerable software are updated promptly. Network-based defenses such as PDF content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection while patches are deployed. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security assessments and the need for organizations to maintain current software inventories to identify and remediate similar memory corruption vulnerabilities across their software ecosystem.