CVE-2017-3056 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 JavaScript engine, related to string manipulation. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
Adobe Acrobat Reader contains a critical memory corruption vulnerability in its JavaScript engine that affects multiple version ranges including 11.0.19 and earlier, 15.006.30280 and earlier, and 15.023.20070 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of string manipulation operations within the JavaScript interpreter, creating a condition where maliciously crafted input can trigger buffer overflows or memory corruption patterns. The flaw exists in the way the application processes JavaScript code during document rendering, specifically when handling string operations that exceed allocated memory boundaries. Attackers can exploit this by crafting PDF documents containing malicious JavaScript code that manipulates strings in ways that overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution. This memory corruption issue allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application, potentially enabling full system compromise. The attack surface is broad as Adobe Acrobat Reader is widely deployed across enterprise environments and personal workstations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations. The exploitation requires the user to open a maliciously crafted PDF file, which can be delivered through phishing campaigns, malicious websites, or compromised documents in email attachments. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential privilege escalation and persistent backdoor installation. Security researchers have documented that this flaw can be leveraged to bypass modern exploit mitigations such as ASLR and DEP, making it a particularly concerning target for advanced persistent threat actors. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions, as the vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. The memory corruption characteristics make this vulnerability suitable for various attack vectors, including remote code execution in web browsers when PDF handling is enabled. System administrators should implement strict document validation policies and consider sandboxing measures to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in client-side applications, particularly those handling untrusted content from the internet. Organizations must also consider implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions to prevent users from accessing malicious PDF files. The flaw represents a significant risk to enterprise security postures, as it enables attackers to gain initial access to sensitive corporate environments through seemingly benign document interactions. This vulnerability type highlights the ongoing challenges in securing complex software applications where multiple layers of code interact with untrusted data inputs. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening the malicious document, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks against high-value targets. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual network connections, file modifications, or process execution patterns that may indicate successful exploitation attempts.