CVE-2018-16027 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 • 08/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-16027 represents a critical use after free flaw in Adobe Acrobat and Reader software across multiple version ranges including 2019.008.20081 and earlier, 2017.011.30106 and earlier, and 2015.006.30457 and earlier versions. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category of use after free conditions, where a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, creating potential for exploitation. The flaw manifests in the handling of specific document objects within the Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications, particularly when processing maliciously crafted PDF files that trigger improper memory management during object deallocation. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution vulnerability because attackers can exploit it through crafted PDF files delivered via email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites without requiring user interaction beyond opening the document.
The technical exploitation of this use after free vulnerability occurs when the application processes a specially crafted PDF document containing malformed objects that cause the memory management system to free a memory block while still maintaining references to it. When subsequent code attempts to access this freed memory location, it may execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass modern security mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention. The exploitation process typically involves crafting a PDF file that triggers the vulnerable code path, causing the application to free memory containing object pointers, and then manipulating the freed memory to redirect execution flow to attacker-controlled code. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Adobe Acrobat and Reader are widely deployed, as it can be leveraged for persistent access and privilege escalation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-16027 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass comprehensive system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems with the same privileges as the user running Adobe Acrobat or Reader, potentially enabling full system compromise if users have administrative privileges. This vulnerability can be leveraged for data exfiltration, lateral movement within networks, and establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, making it particularly widespread in enterprise environments where various software versions may be in use simultaneously. Organizations with outdated software installations are especially vulnerable, as the exploitation process requires no user interaction beyond opening a malicious document, making it ideal for phishing campaigns and targeted attacks. The vulnerability also impacts mobile versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, extending the attack surface to mobile devices. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, representing significant threat surface for organizations without proper patch management protocols. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that Adobe Acrobat and Reader are widely used across industries including finance, healthcare, and government sectors, where sensitive data is processed and stored.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-16027 require immediate patch application from Adobe, as the vendor has released security updates addressing this vulnerability in later versions of their software. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all Adobe Acrobat and Reader installations are updated promptly. Additional mitigations include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted PDF files, deploying sandboxing solutions for PDF processing, and configuring web browsers to prompt users before opening PDF files. Network-level protections such as content filtering and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block malicious PDF files before they reach end users. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious PDF file access patterns and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify unpatched systems. The vulnerability's classification as a critical threat necessitates immediate action from security administrators, as the exploitability of use after free vulnerabilities is generally high and the impact can be devastating. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication and privileged access management controls to limit the potential damage from successful exploitation. Regular security awareness training for users to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious email attachments remains crucial in preventing exploitation of this vulnerability through social engineering attacks.