CVE-2018-5043 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 a Buffer Errors 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 • 08/10/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a buffer overflow vulnerability that affects multiple versions including 2018.011.20040 and earlier, 2017.011.30080 and earlier, and 2015.006.30418 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking when processing specially crafted pdf files, specifically within the handling of embedded objects or streams that exceed allocated memory buffers. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to copy data into a fixed-size buffer without adequate validation of input size, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This buffer error vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes unsafe array indexing conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-129 which addresses insufficient validation of array index values. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can craft malicious pdf documents that trigger the buffer overflow when opened by vulnerable versions of Adobe Reader or Acrobat, enabling remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond opening the document. This vulnerability represents a critical threat vector in enterprise environments where users frequently open pdf files from untrusted sources, as it can be exploited through social engineering campaigns or by compromising legitimate pdf distribution channels. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Adobe Reader's widespread deployment across organizations and the ease with which malicious pdf files can be distributed via email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions to remediate this vulnerability, as the attack requires minimal user interaction and can result in persistent backdoor access or privilege escalation. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to gain access to systems, and T1059, which covers the execution of malicious code through various system interfaces. Security teams should implement network-based detection measures to identify suspicious pdf file transfers and consider deploying application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted pdf files. Additionally, regular security awareness training for users can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation through phishing campaigns that deliver malicious pdf attachments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of timely patch management and proper input validation in preventing buffer overflow exploits that can lead to complete system compromise.