CVE-2017-3048 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 heap overflow vulnerability in the image conversion engine, related to internal scan line representation in TIFF files. 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-2017-3048 represents a critical heap overflow flaw within Adobe Acrobat Reader's image processing capabilities, specifically affecting multiple version ranges including 11.0.19 and earlier, 15.006.30280 and earlier, and 15.023.20070 and earlier. This vulnerability resides within the image conversion engine component responsible for handling TIFF file formats, making it particularly dangerous as TIFF files are commonly used in professional document exchange and digital publishing environments. The flaw manifests during the internal scan line representation processing of TIFF files, where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This heap overflow condition creates a predictable attack surface that adversaries can leverage to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a user to open a specially crafted malicious TIFF file, making it a classic example of a client-side attack vector that relies on social engineering to deliver the payload.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent heap memory. The flaw specifically impacts the image conversion engine's handling of TIFF file scan line data structures, where the processing logic fails to validate the size or structure of incoming image data before attempting memory allocation. This allows attackers to craft TIFF files containing malformed scan line information that, when processed by the vulnerable reader, triggers the heap overflow. The vulnerability's exploitation path follows typical attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under techniques such as T1203 (Exploitation for Client Execution) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter), where adversaries leverage application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code. The memory corruption occurs in a way that can be reliably controlled to overwrite return addresses or function pointers, enabling code execution control.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3048 extends beyond simple arbitrary code execution, as it represents a significant threat to enterprise security environments where Adobe Acrobat Reader remains widely deployed. Organizations using older versions of the software face substantial risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through email attachments, web downloads, or document sharing platforms without requiring any special privileges or network access. The attack vector's reliance on user interaction makes it particularly challenging to defend against, as it requires end-user awareness and careful document handling practices. Security teams must consider the widespread adoption of Adobe Reader across different departments and user groups, potentially creating multiple attack surfaces for threat actors. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version streams indicates a long-standing issue that was not adequately addressed in the software lifecycle, highlighting the importance of regular patch management and software updates. Organizations may face compliance and audit challenges, as this vulnerability could be classified as a critical security gap in their endpoint protection posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3048 should prioritize immediate patch deployment as the primary defense mechanism, with Adobe releasing updates that address the heap overflow condition in the image processing engine. System administrators should implement strict document handling policies, including disabling TIFF file processing or implementing sandboxed environments for document review. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help block suspicious TIFF file downloads or attachments. Endpoint protection solutions should be configured to monitor for suspicious file processing activities and potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should consider implementing least privilege principles for Acrobat Reader usage, limiting its functionality to only essential document viewing tasks. Regular security awareness training for users can help reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that leverage this vulnerability. The remediation process should include comprehensive vulnerability scanning to identify all affected systems, followed by systematic patch deployment across all affected versions. Additionally, organizations should establish incident response procedures specifically addressing this vulnerability type, ensuring rapid identification and containment of potential exploitation attempts.