CVE-2017-3057 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 use after free vulnerability in the JavaScript API related to the collaboration functionality. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
Adobe Acrobat Reader contains a critical use after free vulnerability in its JavaScript API implementation that affects 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 collaboration functionality of the software and represents a classic memory corruption flaw that occurs when the application attempts to access memory that has already been freed by the system. The flaw stems from improper memory management within the JavaScript engine that processes user-supplied content, particularly when handling collaborative document features such as annotations, comments, and shared editing capabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting malicious PDF files that trigger specific sequences in the JavaScript API to cause a use after free condition. When Acrobat Reader processes these specially crafted documents, the JavaScript engine executes code that leads to memory deallocation followed by subsequent access to the freed memory locations. This memory corruption pattern creates opportunities for attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions, and represents a significant risk due to the widespread deployment of Adobe Acrobat Reader across enterprise and consumer environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with persistent access to target systems through the Acrobat Reader application. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish footholds for further exploitation, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The collaborative features that trigger this vulnerability are commonly used in business environments where PDF documents are frequently shared and annotated, making the attack surface particularly broad. This vulnerability falls under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript, where adversaries abuse legitimate system tools to execute malicious code through compromised applications.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including mandatory security updates to the latest versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader, which address the memory management flaws in the JavaScript API. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface by preventing execution of untrusted PDF files. Security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of opening suspicious PDF documents, particularly those received via email or downloaded from untrusted sources. Regular vulnerability assessments should include scanning for outdated Acrobat Reader installations, and administrators should consider implementing sandboxing solutions to contain potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software patches and highlights the risks associated with legacy software in enterprise environments where Acrobat Reader remains widely deployed.