CVE-2018-15928 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 mechanisms. The flaw allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution on the targeted system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through maliciously crafted PDF files that appear legitimate to users, making it a prime target for social engineering attacks. The affected versions span across three major release lines, indicating a widespread issue that has persisted for several years within Adobe's product portfolio.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions where software writes data past the end of a buffer. This type of flaw typically occurs when input validation is insufficient or when the application fails to properly check array indices against buffer boundaries. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that PDF processing is a common user activity, making it easy for attackers to deliver malicious payloads through email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. The out-of-bounds write condition creates a memory corruption scenario that can be leveraged to overwrite critical program structures, function pointers, or return addresses, ultimately allowing attackers to redirect execution flow and inject malicious code into the target system's memory space.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-15928 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant elevation of privilege vulnerability that can be exploited in various attack scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed software versions means that organizations across multiple industries remain at risk, particularly those with legacy systems that have not been updated to newer versions. This flaw can be particularly effective in targeted attacks where adversaries craft specific PDF documents designed to exploit the vulnerability in a particular environment, making it a favored vector for advanced persistent threat campaigns.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including mandatory software updates to the latest versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader that contain patches for this vulnerability. System administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted PDF files and deploy network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious PDF-related network traffic. The vulnerability's exploitation requires user interaction through opening malicious documents, making user education and awareness programs essential components of the overall security posture. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying sandboxing technologies and email filtering solutions that can detect and quarantine potentially malicious PDF attachments before they reach end users, thereby reducing the attack surface and preventing successful exploitation attempts.