CVE-2018-4997 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2018.009.20050 and earlier, 2017.011.30070 and earlier, and 2015.006.30394 and earlier have an Out-of-bounds write vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-4997 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader software. This issue manifests in versions 2018.009.20050 and earlier, 2017.011.30070 and earlier, and 2015.006.30394 and earlier, creating a significant security risk for users who rely on these document processing applications. The flaw resides in how the software handles certain input data structures, specifically within the parsing mechanisms of pdf documents, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently open untrusted or maliciously crafted pdf files.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category of out-of-bounds write conditions, where the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries of a buffer or array. This type of flaw typically occurs when input validation is insufficient or when the software fails to properly check array indices before performing memory operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary code execution, meaning that an attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can potentially run malicious code with the privileges of the current user. The out-of-bounds write condition creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory layout and overwrite critical program structures, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents substantial risk to enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is widely deployed for document viewing and processing. The exploitability of this flaw means that a single malicious pdf file could compromise an entire system, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual users to organizational security postures, as it can be leveraged in phishing campaigns or supply chain attacks where adversaries craft malicious pdf documents designed to exploit this specific flaw. The fact that multiple major versions are affected increases the potential attack surface significantly.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patch management processes, as Adobe has released security updates addressing this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves deploying the latest security patches from Adobe, which typically include enhanced input validation mechanisms and memory boundary checks. Additionally, implementing security controls such as pdf sandboxing features, restricting user privileges when opening documents, and employing email filtering solutions can help reduce the risk of exploitation. Network-based detection measures should also be considered to monitor for potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be triggered through various attack vectors including web-based delivery or file attachment mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the technique of "Exploitation for Code Execution" with specific relevance to "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and "Command and Control" activities that could leverage such flaws for persistent access to compromised systems.