CVE-2019-7079 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-2019-7079 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 PDF files and represents a classic buffer overflow condition where maliciously crafted PDF documents can trigger memory corruption during document processing. The flaw occurs when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The security implications are severe as successful exploitation allows attackers to gain complete control over the victim's system through remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering malicious PDF files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. The attack chain typically involves crafting a specially formatted PDF document that triggers the vulnerable code path when the application parses specific elements within the document structure. Once executed, the malicious code can perform actions such as installing additional malware, stealing sensitive data, or establishing persistent access to the compromised system. This vulnerability aligns with multiple tactics from the MITRE ATT&CK framework including initial access through malicious files, execution via compromised applications, and privilege escalation when the application runs with elevated permissions. The out-of-bounds write condition can be exploited through various attack surfaces within the PDF processing engine, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by simply opening a malicious document. The vulnerability affects not only end-user systems but also enterprise environments where Acrobat Reader is commonly deployed for document review and collaboration purposes. Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including patching to the latest versions, deploying application whitelisting policies, and implementing network-based protections to block suspicious PDF content. The remediation process requires comprehensive testing to ensure that security updates do not break existing business processes while maintaining adequate protection against exploitation attempts. Security teams must also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms for PDF processing and monitoring for unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the widespread deployment of Adobe Acrobat and Reader across organizations, this vulnerability represents a significant risk that requires immediate attention and coordinated remediation efforts.