CVE-2019-7095 in Digital Editions
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Digital Editions versions 4.5.10.185749 and below have a heap overflow vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2020
Adobe Digital Editions heap overflow vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that affects versions 4.5.10.185749 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the application's memory management routines, specifically when processing malformed or specially crafted content. The heap overflow occurs when the software attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute malicious code. The flaw manifests when the application processes certain digital content formats that trigger unsafe memory operations during parsing or rendering phases. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow category, which is classified as a serious memory safety issue that can lead to complete system compromise. The attack vector typically involves tricking users into opening maliciously crafted digital books or documents that contain oversized data structures designed to overflow heap memory regions. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary commands. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can potentially allow attackers to install backdoors, modify system files, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects both Windows and macOS platforms where Adobe Digital Editions is installed, making it particularly concerning given the widespread use of this digital reading software. Security researchers have noted that exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal user interaction, typically just opening a malicious file, which makes it a particularly dangerous threat. The heap overflow vulnerability in Adobe Digital Editions demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in software development. Organizations using affected versions should immediately implement patch management procedures to upgrade to Adobe Digital Editions version 4.5.11.0 or later, which contains the necessary memory safety fixes. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted digital content and network administrators should monitor for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the broader challenge of maintaining memory safety in legacy applications and underscores the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments. This flaw serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices, particularly around buffer management and input validation, as specified in industry standards such as the CERT Secure Coding Standards and OWASP Top Ten security principles.