CVE-2017-2952 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 15.020.20042 and earlier, 15.006.30244 and earlier, 11.0.18 and earlier have an exploitable buffer overflow / underflow vulnerability in the image conversion module related to parsing tags in TIFF files. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2022
Adobe Acrobat Reader contains a critical buffer overflow vulnerability in its image conversion module that specifically affects TIFF file processing operations. This vulnerability exists within the parsing logic for TIFF tags where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to convert or process TIFF images containing specially constructed tag structures that exceed allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability affects multiple version ranges including 15.020.20042 and earlier, 15.006.30244 and earlier, and 11.0.18 and earlier versions, indicating a widespread issue across the product lineage. The buffer overflow occurs during the TIFF file parsing phase where the application fails to properly validate the size and structure of tag data before copying it into fixed-size buffers. This vulnerability maps to CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow and CWE-122 Heap-based Buffer Overflow within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, demonstrating the classic memory corruption patterns that enable arbitrary code execution. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the user running the application. Attackers can craft specially formatted TIFF files that trigger the buffer overflow when opened or processed by Acrobat Reader, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands and potentially escalate privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the legitimate image processing functionality of the application, making it difficult to detect through traditional security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful construction of TIFF files containing malformed tag structures that cause the buffer overflow during parsing operations. The flaw exists in the application's handling of tag data within TIFF files where the parser does not properly validate the size of tag values against allocated buffer space. When processing these malformed TIFF files, the application's image conversion module fails to perform adequate input validation, allowing attackers to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability is classified as an exploitable buffer overflow because the memory corruption occurs in a way that can be controlled to redirect program execution flow. This type of vulnerability typically requires attackers to perform additional steps such as information leak exploitation or return-oriented programming to achieve reliable code execution. The affected versions of Acrobat Reader demonstrate a pattern of insufficient input validation in their image processing pipeline, where the application assumes tag data will conform to expected structures without proper boundary checks. The buffer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code or manipulate program execution flow through controlled memory corruption. This vulnerability represents a significant security risk for organizations that rely on Acrobat Reader for document processing, as it can be exploited through simple file attachments or web-based delivery mechanisms.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability, including prompt patching of all affected Acrobat Reader installations. The recommended approach involves updating to the latest versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader that contain fixes for the buffer overflow issue, as Adobe released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. System administrators should disable TIFF file processing capabilities within Acrobat Reader where possible, or implement strict file validation policies that prevent processing of untrusted TIFF files. Network-based mitigations include deploying web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious TIFF file attachments. The vulnerability also requires careful monitoring of system logs for unusual file processing activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should implement principle of least privilege controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that Acrobat Reader runs with minimal required permissions. Additional protective measures include regular security assessments of document processing workflows and implementing sandboxing technologies to isolate Acrobat Reader execution environments. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates comprehensive incident response planning, including network segmentation to limit lateral movement if exploitation occurs. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure rapid deployment of security updates across all affected systems. Regular security awareness training for users can help reduce the risk of exploitation through social engineering attacks that deliver malicious TIFF files through email attachments or web downloads.