CVE-2019-7056 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that affects multiple versions across different release cycles. This vulnerability resides in the handling of PDF file structures and specifically manifests when processing malformed or specially crafted PDF documents. The flaw occurs during the parsing of certain embedded objects or streams within PDF files, where the application fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-125 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can result in information disclosure or potential code execution. The vulnerability impacts Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2019.010.20069 and earlier, 2017.011.30113 and earlier, and 2015.006.30464 and earlier, representing a broad attack surface across multiple major releases.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a malicious PDF file that triggers an out-of-bounds memory read during the parsing process. When the vulnerable application attempts to access data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, it may read adjacent memory locations that contain sensitive information such as stack contents, heap data, or other application memory segments. This information disclosure can potentially reveal cryptographic keys, memory addresses, or other confidential data that could aid attackers in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability does not directly enable arbitrary code execution but provides attackers with valuable information that can be leveraged in combination with other exploits. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1059.007 for application layer execution and T1068 for exploit development, as it represents a foundational weakness that enables more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a potential pathway for advanced persistent threats and targeted attacks. Organizations using affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader face significant risk when processing untrusted PDF documents, as any user interaction with malicious files could lead to data leakage. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where PDF documents are frequently exchanged between departments, customers, and external partners. Attackers could exploit this weakness to gather intelligence about system configurations, memory layouts, or application states that would otherwise remain hidden. The broad version compatibility of this vulnerability means that organizations running older versions of Adobe software are at risk, including those that may not have updated to the latest security patches due to compatibility concerns or operational constraints.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability. The most effective approach involves updating to the latest versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader that contain patches addressing the out-of-bounds read condition. Adobe has released security updates for all affected versions, and organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches as part of their vulnerability management processes. Additional protective measures include implementing PDF sandboxing features, restricting PDF file handling in email systems, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious PDF file patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing user education programs to raise awareness about the risks of opening untrusted PDF documents and establish strict policies for handling external document exchanges. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against zero-day exploits and advanced persistent threats.