CVE-2017-16382 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Adobe Acrobat and Reader: 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, and 11.0.22 and earlier versions. This vulnerability occurs as a result of a computation that reads data that is past the end of the target buffer; the computation is part of the image conversion module. The use of an invalid (out-of-range) pointer offset during access of internal data structure fields causes the vulnerability. A successful attack can lead to sensitive data exposure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2024
CVE-2017-16382 represents a classic buffer overflow vulnerability affecting Adobe Acrobat and Reader across 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 versions. This vulnerability resides within the image conversion module where a computation reads data that extends beyond the boundaries of the target buffer, creating a condition where an invalid pointer offset accesses internal data structure fields. The technical flaw manifests when the application processes image files that trigger this out-of-bounds read condition, allowing attackers to manipulate memory access patterns and potentially traverse into adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability maps to CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through document processing. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can potentially enable attackers to extract sensitive information from memory, including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in adjacent memory locations. When exploited, the vulnerability allows for information disclosure attacks that can compromise the confidentiality of sensitive documents and user data. The attack vector typically involves enticing users to open maliciously crafted PDF files containing specially constructed image data that triggers the vulnerable code path during image processing operations. The exploitation process requires precise control over memory layout and understanding of the application's internal data structures to successfully leverage the out-of-bounds read condition. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and buffer boundary checking in document processing applications. The affected versions span multiple major releases, indicating a persistent flaw in the image handling code that was not adequately addressed across the product lifecycle. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement network segmentation controls to limit exposure. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted PDF files remains crucial, as social engineering remains a common attack delivery method for such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of robust memory safety practices and automated testing for buffer overflow conditions in enterprise document processing software, particularly given the widespread use of Adobe Acrobat and Reader in corporate environments.