CVE-2018-4964 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2018.011.20038 and earlier, 2017.011.30079 and earlier, and 2015.006.30417 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 • 07/21/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that affects multiple versions across different release cycles. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the document processing engine that handles pdf file parsing operations. The flaw occurs when the application attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries while processing malformed pdf content. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-125 - Out-of-bounds Read according to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which specifically addresses scenarios where applications access memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits. The affected versions include 2018.011.20038 and earlier, 2017.011.30079 and earlier, and 2015.006.30417 and earlier, indicating this represents a long-standing issue that persisted across multiple major releases.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted pdf document is opened within the affected Adobe applications. During the parsing process, the application's memory management routines fail to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations. This allows an attacker to craft a pdf file that triggers the out-of-bounds read condition, potentially causing the application to access sensitive memory regions that may contain confidential data such as encryption keys, user credentials, or other system information. The vulnerability does not directly enable code execution but creates a path for information disclosure that can be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 - Data from Local System, as it provides a method for extracting sensitive information from the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to gather intelligence that could be used in subsequent phases of an attack. When exploited, the out-of-bounds read can potentially expose memory contents that include user session data, application configuration details, or other sensitive information stored in adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability's presence across multiple versions indicates that attackers have multiple potential targets, increasing the attack surface for organizations using legacy Adobe software. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is widely deployed for document viewing, as it could enable attackers to gather information about user activities, system configurations, or other sensitive operational data. The information disclosure aspect of this vulnerability makes it a significant concern for organizations handling sensitive documents or requiring strict data protection measures.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including prompt application of Adobe's security patches, which address the underlying buffer overflow condition in the pdf processing engine. System administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as pdf sandboxing, restricted user permissions, and network-based content filtering to limit exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches, particularly for widely-used applications like Adobe Reader that handle potentially malicious content from untrusted sources. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious pdf file transfers and employ email filtering solutions that can identify and quarantine malicious pdf attachments. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions underscores the critical need for regular security assessments and proactive vulnerability management to prevent exploitation of known security flaws in enterprise software environments.