CVE-2019-7063 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 version ranges including 2019.010.20069 and earlier, 2017.011.30113 and earlier, and 2015.006.30464 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the PDF processing component where the software fails to properly validate array indices when parsing maliciously crafted PDF files. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds memory read operation that occurs when the application attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries during PDF document parsing. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and represents a classic example of improper input validation that can lead to memory corruption issues.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious PDF file that triggers the flawed memory access pattern when opened by an affected version of Adobe Acrobat or Reader. When the vulnerable application processes such a crafted document, it reads data from memory locations that are not properly validated, potentially exposing sensitive information stored in adjacent memory regions. This information disclosure could include internal application data, memory addresses, or other confidential information that may aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability operates at the application level and does not require special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through social engineering attacks where users unknowingly open malicious documents.
From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations that rely heavily on PDF document processing. The information disclosure aspect could potentially expose sensitive data such as user credentials, system memory contents, or application-specific information that might be leveraged by attackers to develop more sophisticated attack vectors. The vulnerability's presence across multiple version lines indicates a persistent flaw in the PDF parsing logic that was not adequately addressed through previous security updates. Organizations utilizing affected versions should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority risk that could lead to data breaches or facilitate advanced persistent threat campaigns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under initial access techniques, specifically as a method for information gathering and reconnaissance activities that can precede more targeted attacks.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of security patches provided by Adobe, which address the out-of-bounds read condition through proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms. Organizations should also implement defensive measures such as PDF file scanning, restricted browsing environments, and user education to reduce the likelihood of encountering malicious documents. Additionally, network-based intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor for known malicious PDF patterns that might exploit this vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes should include verification of Adobe application versions to ensure all systems are running patched software. The remediation process should also include monitoring for any potential exploitation attempts through security event analysis and log review procedures to detect anomalous behavior associated with PDF processing activities.