CVE-2019-7060 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 write vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7060 that affects multiple versions including 2019.010.20069 and earlier, 2017.011.30113 and earlier, and 2015.006.30464 and earlier releases. This vulnerability resides in the handling of specific file formats within the software's processing engine, where improper bounds checking allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer. The flaw manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted PDF files that contain malformed data structures, specifically in the way the software manages memory allocation for certain objects within the document parsing routine. When the application attempts to write data to memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, it creates an opportunity for adversaries to execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the user running the application.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds write conditions where a program writes to a memory location beyond the boundaries of a buffer. This particular flaw represents a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited through social engineering attacks where users are tricked into opening malicious PDF files delivered via email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond opening the document, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious code into the application's memory space, potentially establishing persistent backdoors, escalating privileges, or exfiltrating sensitive data from the compromised system.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7060 extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within enterprise environments. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader face significant risk exposure since these applications are widely deployed across corporate networks for document processing and sharing. The vulnerability can be exploited in phishing campaigns where adversaries craft PDF documents designed to trigger the out-of-bounds write condition when opened by unsuspecting employees. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including initial access through malicious files, execution via legitimate user processes, and privilege escalation if the application runs with elevated permissions. The attack surface is particularly broad given that many organizations rely on Adobe Reader for routine document handling, making this vulnerability an attractive target for both nation-state actors and cybercriminal organizations seeking persistent access to sensitive corporate information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7060 primarily focus on immediate software updates and operational security measures. Adobe released patches for affected versions in their regular security bulletins, and organizations should prioritize updating to the latest versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader to eliminate the vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing strict document handling policies that restrict PDF file access to trusted sources, deploying sandboxing technologies to isolate PDF processing activities, and configuring email security solutions to scan and block suspicious PDF attachments. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls and content filtering systems can help prevent access to known malicious PDF files. Organizations should also consider disabling PDF viewing capabilities in web browsers where possible, as many browsers have their own PDF rendering engines that may be similarly vulnerable. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checking for the presence of affected Adobe versions across the enterprise network, while user awareness training programs should emphasize the dangers of opening unexpected PDF files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against zero-day exploits that target widely used applications.