CVE-2018-16019 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 an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2024
This vulnerability exists in multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader software, specifically affecting versions up to and including 2019.008.20081, 2017.011.30106, 2015.006.30457, and their respective earlier releases. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when the software processes certain malformed input data within PDF documents. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-125 which describes out-of-bounds read scenarios where programs access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through maliciously crafted PDF files that users might encounter while browsing the web, opening attachments, or viewing documents in shared environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the software's PDF parsing engine failing to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries when processing specific elements within PDF structures. When an attacker crafts a PDF file containing malformed data structures, the Acrobat or Reader application attempts to read memory locations that are outside the allocated buffer space, potentially exposing sensitive information from adjacent memory regions. This memory access violation can lead to information disclosure as the application may inadvertently reveal contents of memory that should remain protected, including potentially sensitive data such as encryption keys, user credentials, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory segments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a significant security risk for organizations that rely heavily on PDF document processing. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by delivering malicious PDF files through various attack vectors including email attachments, compromised websites, or social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require user interaction beyond opening the malicious document, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently open PDF files from untrusted sources. Organizations using affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader are at risk of data leakage and potential further compromise, especially in environments where PDF processing occurs without proper sandboxing or security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Adobe Acrobat and Reader installations to the latest available versions that contain the necessary security fixes. System administrators should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular security updates and patch deployment across all endpoints. Additional defensive measures include implementing PDF file scanning and filtering mechanisms, deploying sandboxing technologies for PDF processing, and establishing user awareness training to prevent opening suspicious attachments or visiting untrusted websites. Organizations should also consider network-level controls such as web proxies that can scan and block potentially malicious PDF content before it reaches end users. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including initial access through malicious files and privilege escalation through information gathering, making it critical for security teams to address promptly through both immediate remediation and broader security posture improvements.