CVE-2017-11279 in Digital Editions
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Digital Editions 4.5.4 and earlier has an exploitable use after free vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2021
Adobe Digital Editions version 4.5.4 and earlier contains a critical use after free vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for users of the software. This flaw occurs when the application handles memory management for specific objects during processing of digital content, creating a scenario where memory previously allocated to an object is freed but subsequently accessed by the application. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use after free conditions in memory management. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious digital content that triggers the improper memory handling, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful crafting of input data that causes the application to free memory associated with a particular object while the application continues to reference that memory location. This type of memory corruption vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to execute malicious code with the privileges of the Adobe Digital Editions process. The flaw exists in the software's handling of digital book files and may involve improper object lifecycle management during processing of protected content. This vulnerability represents a classic memory safety issue that has been a persistent problem in software development, particularly in applications handling complex digital media formats.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-11279 extends beyond simple code execution, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain full control of affected systems. Attackers might leverage this vulnerability to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects users who process digital content through Adobe Digital Editions, making it particularly concerning for libraries, educational institutions, and individuals who regularly use the software for reading protected digital books. This type of vulnerability is often categorized under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, as exploitation typically involves executing malicious code through the compromised application. The use after free condition creates a window where attackers can manipulate the memory layout to achieve their desired malicious outcomes.
Organizations and individuals should immediately update to Adobe Digital Editions version 4.5.5 or later, as Adobe has released patches addressing this vulnerability. System administrators should prioritize deployment of this security update across all systems where Adobe Digital Editions is installed, particularly in environments where users may process untrusted digital content. Additional mitigations include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized software, monitoring for suspicious memory access patterns, and ensuring that digital content processing occurs in isolated environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and highlights the need for regular security updates in software applications that handle sensitive digital content. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.