CVE-2017-11242 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 memory corruption vulnerability in the image conversion engine when processing Enhanced Metafile Format (EMF) data related to line segments. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
This vulnerability exists within Adobe Acrobat Reader's image conversion engine where it processes Enhanced Metafile Format data specifically related to line segments. The flaw manifests as a memory corruption issue that occurs during the parsing of EMF files, which are vector graphics formats commonly used in Windows environments. When the application encounters malformed EMF data containing certain line segment parameters, the processing engine fails to properly validate input boundaries, leading to unpredictable memory state corruption. This memory corruption vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the application's input sanitization mechanisms and can be exploited by malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the user's session. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader across different release cycles, indicating a persistent flaw in the image processing pipeline that was not adequately addressed in the affected software versions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to manipulate memory layout through carefully crafted EMF files. When the application attempts to process line segments within EMF data, the conversion engine fails to properly handle oversized or malformed parameters, resulting in memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflow scenarios. The attack vector typically involves social engineering tactics where users are convinced to open malicious EMF files, often embedded within email attachments or hosted on compromised websites. The exploitation process requires precise control over memory layout and can be enhanced through techniques like return-oriented programming or just-in-time code generation to achieve reliable remote code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with complete control over the victim's system when Adobe Acrobat Reader is used to process malicious content. Since Adobe Acrobat Reader is widely deployed across enterprise environments and personal computers, the potential attack surface is extensive. Successful exploitation can result in privilege escalation, data exfiltration, system compromise, and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version lines suggests that organizations using older releases of Adobe Acrobat Reader face significant risk, as these versions remain in use despite security patches. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068, which involves exploit for privilege escalation, making it a particularly dangerous threat vector for organizations.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including mandatory software updates to the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader versions that contain patches for this vulnerability. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of potentially malicious EMF files and deploy network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious file transfers. Additional protective measures include disabling automatic opening of attachments in email clients, implementing sandboxing technologies for document processing, and conducting regular security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and ensure that all users are educated about the risks of opening untrusted documents. The remediation process requires careful planning to avoid disrupting legitimate business operations while ensuring comprehensive protection across all affected systems. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to verify the effectiveness of implemented controls and identify any remaining exposure areas.