CVE-2017-11307 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2017.012.20098 and earlier, 2017.011.30066 and earlier, 2015.006.30355 and earlier, 11.0.22 and earlier have an exploitable out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2020
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that affects multiple version ranges including 2017.012.20098 and earlier, 2017.011.30066 and earlier, 2015.006.30355 and earlier, and 11.0.22 and earlier releases. This vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the software's handling of specific file formats, particularly those involving PDF parsing operations. The flaw manifests when the application processes malformed or specially crafted PDF documents that contain structures exceeding expected memory boundaries during parsing operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which represents a fundamental weakness in input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability occurs when the application attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory access patterns. This type of flaw typically arises from insufficient validation of user-supplied data during file processing operations, where the application fails to properly verify array indices or buffer limits before accessing memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as successful exploitation can lead to complete arbitrary code execution within the context of the currently logged-in user. This represents a severe privilege escalation risk since the malicious code would run with the same permissions as the legitimate user, potentially enabling attackers to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points. The vulnerability's exploitability is further enhanced by the widespread use of Adobe Acrobat and Reader across enterprise environments, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to compromise large user bases.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it provides a pathway for attackers to execute malicious payloads and gain elevated system access. The attack surface is particularly broad since PDF files are commonly shared via email attachments, web downloads, and document management systems, providing numerous potential infection vectors. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability often requires no user interaction beyond opening a malicious document, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
Organizations should immediately implement patch management procedures to upgrade to Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions that address this vulnerability, specifically versions 2017.012.20099 and later, 2017.011.30067 and later, 2015.006.30356 and later, and 11.0.23 and later. Additional mitigations include implementing strict file validation policies, deploying sandboxing solutions for PDF processing, and configuring email security appliances to scan and block potentially malicious PDF attachments. Network-based intrusion detection systems should also be updated to identify and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patched applications to ensure compatibility and proper functionality while maintaining robust security controls throughout the transition period.