CVE-2018-19709 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 • 08/03/2024
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 CWE-125 category of Out-of-bounds Read, which represents a fundamental memory safety issue where the application attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through the normal processing of PDF files, making it an attractive target for attackers who can craft malicious documents to exploit this weakness.
The technical implementation of this out-of-bounds read vulnerability allows an attacker to manipulate the memory access patterns within the Adobe Acrobat Reader application. When processing a specially crafted PDF file, the software fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries, leading to unauthorized memory access. This memory access violation can result in the disclosure of sensitive information that may be stored in adjacent memory locations, potentially including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential data. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution risk in certain contexts, as the information disclosure could provide attackers with the necessary details to escalate their privileges or conduct further attacks. According to the ATT&CK framework, this represents a technique that could be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain under the T1059.007 category for command and control communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a significant security risk for organizations relying on Adobe Acrobat and Reader for document processing. Users who open malicious PDF files could unknowingly expose sensitive data to attackers, particularly in enterprise environments where these applications are widely used for document sharing and collaboration. The vulnerability affects multiple product versions, indicating a widespread exposure across different release cycles, which compounds the risk for organizations with diverse software environments. Security researchers have noted that the exploitation of such out-of-bounds read conditions can be relatively straightforward, as they often require only the creation of a malicious PDF document that triggers the specific memory access pattern. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where PDF document processing is common and where sensitive information is frequently handled.
The recommended mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of security patches provided by Adobe, as well as implementing additional security controls to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should ensure that all instances of Adobe Acrobat and Reader are updated to versions that contain the necessary fixes for this out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Network segmentation and content filtering measures can help reduce the risk of exploitation by preventing users from opening potentially malicious PDF files from untrusted sources. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict the execution of unauthorized software can provide an additional layer of defense. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs, as these types of memory safety issues often remain undetected until exploited in the wild. Organizations should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks associated with opening PDF files from unknown sources and the importance of keeping software up to date with the latest security patches.