CVE-2018-16043 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 released in 2015, 2017, and 2019. The out-of-bounds read flaw represents a critical memory safety issue that occurs when the application processes malformed or specially crafted PDF files. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where an application accesses memory beyond the intended boundaries. The vulnerability manifests when the software fails to properly validate input data during PDF parsing operations, particularly when handling embedded objects or streams within the document structure. Attackers can exploit this issue by crafting malicious PDF files that trigger the out-of-bounds memory access during document rendering or processing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental memory corruption issue that could potentially be leveraged for more severe exploits. When the application encounters malformed input data, the out-of-bounds read can cause the program to access adjacent memory locations, potentially revealing sensitive information such as memory addresses, encryption keys, or other confidential data stored in adjacent memory segments. This information disclosure could aid attackers in developing more sophisticated attacks against the target system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple product versions across different release cycles, indicating a persistent flaw in the software's input validation mechanisms that was not adequately addressed in the affected releases.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers command and control communication using PDF files as delivery mechanisms. The out-of-bounds read vulnerability creates a potential pathway for attackers to extract information from memory spaces that could be used to bypass security controls or identify system configurations. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that PDF files are commonly used in email attachments and web downloads, making it a prime target for social engineering campaigns. Organizations using affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader attack surface that could lead to privilege escalation or further system compromise if combined with other exploitation techniques.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of all affected Adobe Acrobat and Reader installations. Adobe released security updates specifically addressing this issue in their subsequent software releases, and organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches across all systems. Additionally, implementing network-based controls such as PDF file scanning and content filtering can provide additional layers of protection while patches are being deployed. Security teams should also monitor for indicators of compromise related to PDF-based attacks and consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted PDF files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper input validation in preventing memory safety issues that can lead to information disclosure and potential system compromise.