CVE-2018-5064 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 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 • 08/10/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that affects multiple version ranges including 2018.011.20040 and earlier, 2017.011.30080 and earlier, and 2015.006.30418 and earlier. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 weakness category, which represents out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer or array. The flaw exists in the handling of malformed PDF files where the application fails to properly validate input boundaries during parsing operations. When a maliciously crafted PDF document is opened, the vulnerable code attempts to write data beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw within the ATT&CK framework under the technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it allows for complete system compromise when users open malicious documents, especially in enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is widely deployed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through social engineering campaigns targeting end users or through phishing emails containing malicious PDF attachments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires careful crafting of PDF files that trigger the specific buffer overflow condition during parsing operations. The vulnerability typically manifests when the application processes certain embedded objects or streams within the PDF file structure without proper boundary checks. Memory layout and stack corruption occur when the application writes past allocated buffer boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite critical program variables, return addresses, or function pointers. The exploit development process involves understanding the specific memory layout of the affected Adobe applications and crafting payloads that can manipulate execution flow through controlled memory corruption. This type of vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations as it can be exploited through simple user interaction, requiring no special privileges or advanced technical skills from attackers. The vulnerability's presence across multiple major versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the input validation mechanisms within Adobe's PDF parsing libraries, suggesting that the issue may persist across various product releases and update cycles.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation of this vulnerability through patch management and software updates from Adobe. The recommended approach includes deploying the latest security patches available through Adobe's official update channels and implementing strict document validation policies. Security teams should consider implementing network-based protections such as web application firewalls and content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious PDF files before they reach end users. Additionally, organizations should conduct user awareness training to educate employees about the risks of opening untrusted PDF documents and implement application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized software. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution threat means that organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions that can detect suspicious network activity potentially associated with exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should include evaluation of PDF processing capabilities to identify potential additional vulnerabilities in document handling components. The remediation process should also involve monitoring for indicators of compromise and implementing incident response procedures specifically designed for handling potential exploitation of this type of vulnerability.