CVE-2017-2972 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 memory corruption vulnerability in the image conversion module related to JPEG parsing. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2026
Adobe Acrobat Reader contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability in its image conversion module that specifically affects JPEG parsing operations. This vulnerability exists in multiple version ranges including 15.020.20042 and earlier, 15.006.30244 and earlier, and 11.0.18 and earlier versions of the software. The flaw resides within the handling of image data during the conversion process, where improper bounds checking or memory management during JPEG parsing operations creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory structures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory handling within the JPEG parsing component of the image conversion engine. When Acrobat Reader processes JPEG formatted images, particularly those that are malformed or crafted specifically to exploit the vulnerability, the parser fails to properly validate buffer boundaries or memory allocations. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious JPEG files that, when opened or processed by the vulnerable software, can trigger memory corruption conditions. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and can be classified as a buffer overflow or heap-based memory corruption according to CWE standards.
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the Acrobat Reader application. This means that an attacker who successfully triggers the vulnerability could potentially execute malicious code on the target system with the same privileges as the user running Acrobat Reader. The attack typically requires the user to open or interact with a specially crafted malicious JPEG file, making this a client-side exploit that relies on social engineering or phishing techniques to deliver the payload. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations since Acrobat Reader is widely deployed across enterprise environments and user endpoints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual system compromise to affect broader organizational security postures. Given that Acrobat Reader is commonly used for opening PDF documents containing embedded images, attackers can leverage this vulnerability through malicious PDF files that contain crafted JPEG images. This creates a vector where legitimate business documents become attack vectors, making detection and prevention more challenging. Organizations may face potential data breaches, system compromise, and lateral movement opportunities if attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability. The risk is compounded by the fact that many users may not be aware of the specific version they are running, making widespread exploitation likely.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected versions to address the underlying memory corruption issue. Organizations must ensure all instances of Acrobat Reader are updated to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing strict file validation controls, network-based filtering of suspicious content, and user education about the risks of opening untrusted PDF documents can help reduce exploitation opportunities. Security monitoring should include detection of attempts to access or process JPEG files through Acrobat Reader, and network segmentation can limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping third-party software updated and maintaining comprehensive software inventory management to quickly identify and remediate similar issues across the enterprise environment.