CVE-2019-7112 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2019.010.20098 and earlier, 2019.010.20098 and earlier, 2017.011.30127 and earlier version, and 2015.006.30482 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 • 06/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7112 represents a critical use after free flaw affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader software. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use after free conditions where memory is accessed after it has been freed, creating opportunities for memory corruption and exploitation. The affected versions include Adobe Acrobat and Reader 2019.010.20098 and earlier, 2017.011.30127 and earlier, and 2015.006.30482 and earlier, indicating a widespread impact across several major release lines of the software. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables arbitrary code execution when successfully exploited, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise systems through malicious documents.
The technical flaw manifests when the application processes certain PDF files containing crafted malicious content that triggers a use after free condition in the memory management routines. When the application frees memory associated with a specific object and subsequently attempts to access that same memory location without proper validation, an attacker can manipulate the freed memory to execute malicious code. This condition typically occurs during document parsing operations where the application handles complex objects such as embedded JavaScript, form fields, or multimedia content that may trigger improper memory handling. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to leverage the legitimate application execution context to bypass security controls and escalate privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7112 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access and potentially escalate privileges on compromised systems. Attackers can craft malicious PDF documents that, when opened by an affected version of Adobe Acrobat or Reader, trigger the memory corruption vulnerability. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can execute arbitrary commands through the exploited application. The attack surface is extensive given that PDF files are commonly shared through email attachments, web downloads, and document repositories, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking mass exploitation. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7112 require immediate action to update to patched versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, as Adobe has released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems running affected software receive updates promptly. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defense layers by restricting execution of potentially malicious PDF files. The vulnerability's classification as a use after free issue also highlights the importance of implementing memory safety controls and runtime protections such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to PDF-based attacks and consider implementing sandboxing solutions for PDF processing to contain potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of opening unknown PDF files and implementing strict email filtering policies can significantly reduce the attack surface for this vulnerability.