CVE-2018-16035 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
Adobe Acrobat and Reader contain a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that affects multiple versions across different release cycles. This vulnerability resides in the PDF parsing functionality where the software fails to properly validate array indices when processing maliciously crafted PDF documents. The flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the parsing logic to access memory locations beyond the allocated array boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data from the application's memory space. The vulnerability is categorized as CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, making it a classic buffer over-read condition that can be exploited for information disclosure purposes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a victim opens a specially crafted PDF file that contains malformed array references within its structure. During the parsing process, the application attempts to read data from memory locations that are beyond the legitimate array bounds, which can result in the exposure of sensitive information such as memory addresses, encryption keys, or other confidential data stored in adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through simple document opening actions, making it an ideal candidate for phishing attacks and social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through PDF documents and T1566 for initial access through malicious documents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage the exposed memory contents to bypass security mechanisms, identify application versions, or even develop more targeted exploits. The widespread adoption of Adobe Reader across enterprise environments means that a single compromised document could potentially affect thousands of users. Organizations running affected versions should immediately implement mitigation strategies including restricting PDF file execution, deploying application whitelisting policies, and ensuring all systems are updated to the latest security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in document processing applications and highlights the need for robust memory safety practices in commercial software development.