CVE-2017-3090 in Digital Editions
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Digital Editions versions 4.5.4 and earlier contain an insecure library loading vulnerability. The vulnerability is due to unsafe library loading of browser related library extensions in the installer plugin. A successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2020
Adobe Digital Editions versions 4.5.4 and earlier contain a critical insecure library loading vulnerability that stems from improper handling of browser-related library extensions within the installer plugin component. This flaw represents a classic insecure library loading vulnerability that aligns with CWE-427 and CWE-428, where the application fails to properly validate or restrict the loading of dynamic libraries from untrusted sources. The vulnerability occurs during the installation process when the installer plugin attempts to load browser-related extensions without adequate security controls over the library search path.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to place malicious libraries in locations that are searched before legitimate system libraries, enabling a form of library injection attack. When Adobe Digital Editions executes the installer plugin, it loads these malicious libraries into memory, which can then execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK framework category of T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1505.003 Server Software Component, as it leverages a compromised installation process to achieve code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a potential entry point for executing malicious code on systems running vulnerable versions of Adobe Digital Editions. Attackers could craft malicious installer packages or manipulate existing installation files to load their payload, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability affects users who install Adobe Digital Editions through the installer plugin, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may download and run third-party content or where installation processes are not properly secured.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate patching of Adobe Digital Editions to versions 4.5.5 or later, which address the insecure library loading behavior. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to restrict which libraries can be loaded during installation processes, and conduct regular security assessments of installation components. Additionally, users should avoid running installation processes with elevated privileges and ensure that their systems maintain up-to-date security patches for Adobe Digital Editions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper library loading security practices and highlights how seemingly minor installation component flaws can lead to significant exploitation opportunities.