CVE-2018-12835 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2018.011.20063 and earlier, 2017.011.30102 and earlier, and 2015.006.30452 and earlier have a type confusion vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical type confusion vulnerability that affects multiple version ranges including 2018.011.20063 and earlier, 2017.011.30102 and earlier, and 2015.006.30452 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the handling of object types during memory operations and represents a classic example of a type confusion flaw that falls under CWE-466. The vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly validate object types during processing, allowing an attacker to manipulate memory operations and potentially execute arbitrary code. The flaw manifests when the software incorrectly handles object references, leading to situations where a pointer intended for one data type is treated as another, creating opportunities for memory corruption and code execution. This type confusion vulnerability specifically impacts the parsing and rendering components of Adobe's document processing engine, where objects are created and managed during PDF file interpretation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious PDF files that trigger the type confusion during object handling, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it represents a significant escalation path for attackers seeking persistent access to target systems. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows adversaries to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable application, typically resulting in full system compromise. The attack vector involves delivering a specially crafted PDF document that, when opened by an affected version of Adobe Acrobat or Reader, triggers the type confusion flaw. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling malicious code execution through application-specific vulnerabilities, and represents a prime example of how document processing applications can serve as attack vectors for privilege escalation and system compromise. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the widespread deployment of Adobe Reader across enterprise environments, making it a highly attractive target for adversaries seeking broad impact.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through official security patches provided by Adobe, as the company released updates addressing the specific type confusion flaw in affected versions. Organizations should prioritize patch management to ensure all instances of Adobe Acrobat and Reader are updated to versions that contain the necessary fixes. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted PDF files can provide an additional layer of defense. Network-based mitigations such as PDF file inspection and filtering can help prevent exploitation attempts by blocking malicious documents before they reach end-user systems. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing technologies for PDF processing to isolate potentially malicious content and limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and type safety in software development practices, particularly for applications that process untrusted data from external sources. Organizations should review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence regarding similar vulnerabilities in document processing applications.