CVE-2017-3044 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 11.0.19 and earlier, 15.006.30280 and earlier, 15.023.20070 and earlier have an exploitable memory corruption vulnerability in the JPEG 2000 engine, related to image scaling. 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-2017-3044 represents a critical memory corruption flaw within Adobe Acrobat Reader's JPEG 2000 image processing engine. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of the software including 11.0.19 and earlier, 15.006.30280 and earlier, and 15.023.20070 and earlier, making it a widespread concern across various Adobe Reader installations. The flaw specifically manifests during image scaling operations when processing JPEG 2000 formatted images, which are commonly embedded in pdf documents for high-quality graphics and scientific imaging applications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory handling within the JPEG 2000 decoding component of Adobe Reader. When the application processes a specially crafted JPEG 2000 image during scaling operations, the memory corruption occurs due to insufficient bounds checking and buffer overflow protections. This memory corruption vulnerability is classified under CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and can be exploited through the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command execution. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical program structures or function pointers, creating opportunities for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple document viewing, as it transforms PDF documents into potential attack vectors. An attacker could craft malicious PDF files containing specially formatted JPEG 2000 images that, when opened by an affected version of Adobe Reader, would trigger the memory corruption. This scenario represents a classic sandbox escape vulnerability where a user's system becomes compromised through legitimate document handling activities. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious document, making it highly suitable for phishing campaigns and targeted attacks against organizations that rely heavily on PDF document sharing.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3044 primarily focus on immediate software updates and administrative controls. Adobe released patches for all affected versions, and organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of these updates across all systems. Additional protective measures include implementing Adobe Reader sandboxing features, disabling JavaScript execution in PDF documents, and employing content filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious PDF files. Network-based defenses such as intrusion detection systems and web application firewalls can also help identify and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping document processing software updated, as it highlights how image processing engines can become attack surfaces when not properly secured against memory corruption exploits. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles for PDF document handling and establishing secure document review procedures to minimize exposure to such vulnerabilities.