CVE-2018-5035 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 input validation within the document parsing functionality. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions where a program attempts to read memory beyond the boundaries of a buffer. The flaw occurs when the software processes maliciously crafted pdf documents that contain malformed data structures, particularly within the document metadata or embedded object parsing routines. When these vulnerable applications encounter specially crafted input, they fail to properly validate array indices or buffer limits before accessing memory locations, leading to unauthorized data retrieval from adjacent memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive data that resides in memory adjacent to the targeted buffer. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious pdf files that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition when opened or processed by the vulnerable software. The vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain initial access or escalate privileges within targeted environments. Successful exploitation could result in the exposure of memory contents including but not limited to session tokens, cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other sensitive information that may be stored in adjacent memory locations.
This vulnerability represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where Adobe Acrobat and Reader are widely deployed for document processing and viewing. The out-of-bounds read condition creates a potential attack surface that adversaries can leverage for reconnaissance purposes or to gather intelligence about the target system. Organizations utilizing these vulnerable versions face increased risk of data breaches and information disclosure incidents, particularly in scenarios where users frequently open pdf documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management and input validation practices in software development, as it directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user data within the application ecosystem. Security practitioners should prioritize patching these vulnerable versions and implementing network-based controls to monitor for suspicious pdf file activity, while also considering the broader implications of similar vulnerabilities in other Adobe products and third-party applications that may be subject to similar memory safety issues.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate deployment of patches provided by Adobe, as the company released security updates specifically addressing this out-of-bounds read condition. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, and implement automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation. Additionally, security controls such as application whitelisting, pdf file content filtering, and user education programs should be implemented to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current software versions and the potential consequences of running outdated applications in enterprise environments where security is paramount.