CVE-2018-5014 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat and Reader 2018.011.20040 and earlier, 2017.011.30080 and earlier, and 2015.006.30418 and earlier versions have an Out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/11/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions prior to 2018.011.20040, 2017.011.30080, and 2015.006.30418 contain a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that stems from improper validation of input data within the PDF parsing functionality. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions where an application attempts to read memory beyond the bounds of a buffer or array. The flaw occurs when the software processes maliciously crafted PDF files that contain malformed data structures, particularly within the document's object hierarchy or stream data. When the parsing engine encounters unexpected data patterns, it fails to properly bounds-check array indices or memory access operations, leading to unauthorized memory reads. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through crafted PDF documents delivered via email attachments, web downloads, or malicious websites. Attackers can construct PDF files that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition when the vulnerable software attempts to parse specific objects or streams within the document structure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive data from the application's memory space. Successful exploitation allows attackers to read memory contents that may contain user credentials, session tokens, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the widespread use of Adobe Acrobat and Reader across enterprise environments, making it an attractive target for adversaries seeking to gain unauthorized access to sensitive documents or extract credentials from memory. This type of vulnerability aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code or extract information. The attack surface is broad since PDF files are commonly used in business environments for document sharing, making it relatively easy for attackers to deliver malicious payloads through legitimate document exchange channels.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including prompt application of Adobe's security patches and updates released in response to this vulnerability. System administrators should consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for PDF processing, deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious PDF file transfers, and establishing strict email filtering policies that scan and quarantine potentially malicious PDF attachments. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate outdated Adobe software installations across their networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in document processing applications. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of opening untrusted PDF files and the potential for privilege escalation through exploitation of such vulnerabilities. Regular patch management processes must be strengthened to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all systems that handle PDF documents.