CVE-2019-7759 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2019.010.20100 and earlier, 2019.010.20099 and earlier, 2017.011.30140 and earlier, 2017.011.30138 and earlier, 2015.006.30495 and earlier, and 2015.006.30493 and earlier have a use after free vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader contain a critical use after free vulnerability that affects multiple version ranges including 2019.010.20100 and earlier, 2019.010.20099 and earlier, 2017.011.30140 and earlier, 2017.011.30138 and earlier, 2015.006.30495 and earlier, and 2015.006.30493 and earlier. 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 a dangerous state that can be exploited by attackers. The flaw occurs when the application processes certain PDF files that trigger improper memory management during object cleanup operations, leading to a scenario where freed memory locations can be reallocated and manipulated by malicious code.
The exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution on the target system, representing a severe security risk that can be leveraged for complete system compromise. When an attacker crafts a malicious PDF document that triggers the vulnerable code path, the use after free condition allows them to manipulate memory contents and potentially inject or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through simple email attachments or web downloads, making it an attractive target for phishing campaigns and remote code execution attacks.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations that rely on Adobe Acrobat and Reader for document processing and viewing. The attack surface is broad as these applications are commonly installed on desktop systems, servers, and mobile devices across enterprise environments. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution means that attackers can gain persistent access to systems, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within networks. Security professionals should note that this issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious commands through the compromised application.
Organizations should immediately apply patches from Adobe to address this vulnerability, as the company has released security updates for all affected versions. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing strict document validation policies, deploying sandboxing solutions for PDF processing, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional layers of defense, while regular security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of opening untrusted PDF documents. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary PDF features and implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of such vulnerabilities across all affected systems.