CVE-2018-12876 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical type confusion vulnerability that affects multiple product versions including 2018.011.20063 and earlier, 2017.011.30102 and earlier, and 2015.006.30452 and earlier. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-843 category of type confusion, where the software incorrectly handles data type conversions during runtime operations. The flaw occurs when the application processes maliciously crafted pdf files that trigger improper type handling within the document parsing engine. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate memory operations and execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the user running the application.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and type checking mechanisms within Adobe's pdf processing libraries. Attackers can craft specially designed pdf documents that cause the application to incorrectly interpret data types during parsing operations, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution. This type confusion typically manifests when the software attempts to use a variable or object with an unexpected data type, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate program flow through carefully constructed malicious input. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application level and does not require special privileges beyond normal user access to execute successfully.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise and data theft. Successful exploitation can result in complete system control, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack surface is broad as Adobe Acrobat and Reader are widely deployed across enterprise environments, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of targeted attacks, especially in environments where users frequently open pdf documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires user interaction through opening malicious pdf files, making social engineering attacks more effective in combination with this technical flaw.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of all affected Adobe Acrobat and Reader installations to the latest versions provided by Adobe. Organizations should implement strict pdf file validation policies and consider deploying sandboxing solutions to isolate pdf processing operations. Network segmentation and email filtering can help reduce the likelihood of users encountering malicious pdf files. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the mitre ATT&CK framework under techniques related to malicious file execution and privilege escalation. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise including unusual process behavior and network connections from compromised systems. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help identify systems that may still be running vulnerable versions of Adobe software. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting user permissions can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.