CVE-2018-12865 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 an out-of-bounds write vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2023
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that affects multiple versions across different release cycles. This vulnerability resides in the handling of specific file formats and occurs when the software processes malformed input data without proper bounds checking. The flaw allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through maliciously crafted documents that appear legitimate to users, making it an attractive target for social engineering campaigns. The issue affects both the 2018, 2017, and 2015 release branches of Adobe Reader and Acrobat, indicating a long-standing problem that has persisted across multiple software versions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions where a program writes data past the end of a buffer. This type of flaw typically occurs in memory management functions where input validation is insufficient, allowing attackers to manipulate memory layout and execute malicious code. The exploitation process involves crafting a specially formatted document that triggers the vulnerable code path when the application attempts to parse and render the content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain full control of the affected system, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or deployment of additional malware. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual user systems as it can be exploited through email attachments, web downloads, or other common attack vectors that target Adobe Reader installations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations that rely on Adobe Reader for document processing and viewing. The widespread deployment of Adobe Reader across enterprise environments means that successful exploitation can affect numerous systems simultaneously, potentially leading to large-scale security incidents. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that many users regularly open documents from untrusted sources without proper security measures. Attackers can use this flaw to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy ransomware and other malicious payloads. Security teams must consider the vulnerability as part of their threat modeling exercises, particularly in environments where document sharing is common and where users may not be adequately trained about security risks. The vulnerability also impacts compliance requirements for organizations that must maintain secure document handling practices.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Adobe Reader and Acrobat installations to mitigate this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to the latest available versions that contain fixes for the out-of-bounds write issue. Security administrators should implement layered defenses including email filtering, web application firewalls, and sandboxing techniques to reduce the attack surface. Regular security assessments should include verification that all Adobe Reader installations are updated and that users are following secure document handling practices. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing privilege separation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing robust patch management processes. Organizations should also consider alternative document viewing solutions or enhanced security configurations for environments where the risk of exploitation is particularly high. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in software development, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for defensive measures against such exploitation techniques.