CVE-2017-2971 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 heap overflow vulnerability in the JPEG decoder routine. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2971 represents a critical heap overflow condition within Adobe Acrobat Reader's JPEG decoding component, affecting multiple version ranges including 15.020.20042 and earlier, 15.006.30244 and earlier, and 11.0.18 and earlier. This flaw exists in the software's handling of JPEG image data during the decoding process, where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted JPEG files to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of image dimensions and data structures within the JPEG parser, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user.
The technical implementation of this heap overflow occurs when Acrobat Reader processes malformed JPEG files containing specially constructed data that exceeds expected buffer boundaries. The JPEG decoder routine fails to properly validate the size parameters of image components, allowing an attacker to feed oversized data structures that overwrite adjacent heap memory regions. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite function pointers, return addresses, or other critical data structures, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code. The vulnerability specifically relates to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checks allow data to be written beyond allocated memory regions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Adobe Acrobat Reader for document processing, as it can be exploited through social engineering attacks involving malicious PDF attachments containing crafted JPEG images. The exploitation typically requires the user to open a specially crafted PDF file that contains the malicious JPEG payload, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, establish persistence, or escalate privileges. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of Adobe Acrobat Reader across enterprise environments, where users frequently open PDF documents from untrusted sources.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate patch management for affected versions, as Adobe released updates addressing this vulnerability through their regular security bulletins. Organizations should implement network-based protections including content filtering and sandboxing mechanisms to prevent exploitation attempts, while also monitoring for suspicious PDF file activity. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which covers exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1059, involving command and scripting interpreters, as attackers may leverage the executed code for further system compromise. Additional mitigations include restricting user privileges when opening PDF documents, implementing strict file type validation, and maintaining updated threat intelligence to detect potential exploitation attempts.