CVE-2019-7045 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2019.010.20069 and earlier, 2019.010.20069 and earlier, 2017.011.30113 and earlier version, and 2015.006.30464 and earlier have an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to information disclosure.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2020
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that affects multiple product versions including 2019.010.20069 and earlier, 2017.011.30113 and earlier, and 2015.006.30464 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the handling of specific file formats and occurs when the software attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw manifests during the processing of malformed or specially crafted pdf documents that trigger improper memory access patterns. According to the common weakness enumeration framework, this vulnerability maps to cwe-125 which describes out-of-bounds read conditions where software accesses memory beyond the intended buffer limits. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it can potentially enable attackers to extract sensitive data from memory segments that should remain protected. When exploited successfully, the out-of-bounds read allows malicious actors to access adjacent memory locations containing potentially confidential information such as encryption keys, user credentials, or other sensitive application data. The attack vector typically involves tricking users into opening maliciously crafted pdf files through social engineering tactics or compromised email attachments. From an adversary perspective, this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the attack technique framework under technique t1059 which involves execution through command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise environments where users frequently handle pdf documents from untrusted sources. The exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely through web-based delivery mechanisms. Organizations should prioritize patching affected versions to prevent potential data breaches and maintain compliance with security standards such as iso 27001 and nist cybersecurity framework. The remediation process involves updating to patched versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader software, implementing strict document validation policies, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious pdf file handling activities. Security teams should also consider implementing sandboxing techniques and application whitelisting to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.