CVE-2017-2958 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 use after free vulnerability in the JavaScript engine. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2958 represents a critical use after free flaw within Adobe Acrobat Reader's JavaScript engine implementation. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of the software including those in the 15.020.x, 15.006.x, and 11.0.18 release series, making it a widespread concern across the Acrobat Reader user base. The flaw manifests in the way the JavaScript engine handles memory management during object lifecycle operations, creating opportunities for attackers to exploit memory corruption patterns that can be leveraged for remote code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions in software development. When a program frees memory that is subsequently accessed by the JavaScript engine, attackers can manipulate the freed memory location to execute malicious code. This particular implementation flaw occurs within the JavaScript interpreter's handling of object references and memory deallocation sequences, where proper validation of object states is insufficiently enforced. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution because the attacker can control the memory layout and influence the execution flow through carefully crafted JavaScript payloads that trigger the use after free condition.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Adobe Acrobat Reader for document processing and viewing. The exploitability of this flaw means that simply opening a malicious PDF document could result in complete system compromise without requiring user interaction beyond the initial document opening. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy malware, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges within the target environment. The impact extends beyond individual user systems to potentially affect enterprise networks where Acrobat Reader is widely deployed for document handling and review processes.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including deploying patches from Adobe that address the JavaScript engine memory management issues. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based protections such as PDF content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript and VBScript execution, and T1078 for valid accounts usage, as attackers may leverage compromised systems to maintain access. Additional defensive measures include restricting Acrobat Reader functionality through group policies, implementing application whitelisting, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should prioritize immediate patch deployment while maintaining continuous monitoring for indicators of compromise that may indicate successful exploitation attempts.