CVE-2019-7082 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 use after free vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader contain a critical use after free vulnerability that affects multiple versions across different release cycles. This vulnerability stems from improper memory management where a program continues to reference memory that has already been freed, creating a dangerous condition that attackers can exploit. The flaw exists in the handling of specific document objects within the PDF processing engine, particularly when parsing malformed or maliciously crafted PDF files that trigger the use after free condition. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 which specifically addresses use after free conditions in software applications. The technical implementation involves the interaction between the PDF parser and the memory management subsystem where a freed memory block is accessed after the program has already released it back to the system heap. When an attacker crafts a malicious PDF document containing specially constructed objects, the application's processing routine can cause a memory allocation that gets freed, yet subsequent code paths still attempt to access the same memory location. This creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the freed memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly aligns with the ATT&CK framework's execution phase where adversaries seek to run malicious code on target systems. Successful exploitation allows remote code execution without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently open PDF documents from various sources. The vulnerability can be triggered through simple web browsing or document opening activities, requiring no special privileges or complex attack chains. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy malware, establish persistence mechanisms, or escalate privileges within the compromised system. The widespread adoption of Adobe Reader across enterprise networks amplifies the potential impact, as a single compromised system can serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but also organizations that rely on PDF processing for business operations, creating significant risk for financial institutions, government agencies, and any entity that processes PDF documents regularly.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions, as Adobe has released security updates addressing the specific memory management issues. Organizations should implement network segmentation and web filtering to restrict access to potentially malicious PDF content, particularly from untrusted sources. The use of sandboxing techniques and restricted user accounts can help limit the potential damage if exploitation occurs. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious PDF processing activities and memory access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify other potential memory corruption vulnerabilities in similar software components. Additionally, implementing automated patch management systems ensures that all affected systems receive updates promptly. Organizations should also consider alternative PDF viewing solutions or enhanced security configurations within Adobe Reader to reduce the attack surface. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before widespread deployment to avoid disrupting critical business operations while maintaining security posture.