CVE-2018-16008 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2019.008.20081 and earlier, 2019.008.20080 and earlier, 2019.008.20081 and earlier, 2017.011.30106 and earlier version, 2017.011.30105 and earlier version, 2015.006.30457 and earlier, and 2015.006.30456 and earlier have a use after free vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16008 represents a critical use after free flaw affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader software. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use after free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating opportunities for memory corruption and exploitation. The affected versions include various releases from the 2015, 2017, and 2019 series, with specific builds such as 2019.008.20081, 2017.011.30106, and 2015.006.30457 being particularly vulnerable. The flaw manifests when the application handles certain PDF objects that trigger improper memory management during processing. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary code execution, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise systems through malicious PDF files.
The technical implementation of this use after free vulnerability occurs when the Acrobat or Reader application processes malformed PDF content that triggers a specific memory management sequence. During normal operation, the software allocates memory for PDF objects and subsequently frees that memory when it is no longer needed. However, in the presence of crafted malicious content, the application may attempt to access memory that has already been freed, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation. This type of vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves legitimate programs being used for code execution through memory corruption attacks. The exploitation mechanism typically involves crafting a malicious PDF file that, when opened by the vulnerable software, triggers the memory corruption scenario, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it enables attackers to achieve full system compromise through privilege escalation and remote code execution. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious code on the target system, potentially leading to data theft, system takeover, or deployment of additional malware. The attack surface is broad due to the widespread use of Adobe Acrobat and Reader across enterprise and consumer environments, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in corporate settings where users frequently open PDF documents from untrusted sources. Organizations running affected versions of the software face significant risk of targeted attacks, especially in environments where users have administrative privileges or access to sensitive data. The vulnerability also represents a persistent threat vector since many organizations struggle with keeping legacy software updated, particularly in enterprise environments where software deployment processes are complex and time-consuming.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16008 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Adobe, as the vendor has released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include deploying sandboxing solutions to isolate PDF processing, implementing email filtering to block potentially malicious PDF attachments, and establishing user awareness training to reduce the risk of opening suspicious documents. Network-based protections such as intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts, while application whitelisting can prevent execution of unauthorized code. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current software inventories and implementing automated vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited. Security teams should consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, particularly in environments where users have broad system access privileges.