CVE-2019-7767 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
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7767 represents a critical use after free flaw affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications. This vulnerability manifests in the processing of PDF files and occurs when the software attempts to access memory that has already been freed, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate the application's memory management behavior. The affected versions span across several major release lines including 2015, 2017, and 2019 editions, indicating a widespread issue that has persisted across multiple years of product development. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for arbitrary code execution, which represents one of the most severe outcomes in software security flaws.
The technical nature of this use after free vulnerability stems from improper memory management within Adobe's PDF processing engine. When parsing certain PDF objects or streams, the application allocates memory for data structures but fails to properly track their usage or properly deallocate them before subsequent operations. This creates a window where freed memory can be reallocated and accessed by malicious code, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the vulnerable application. The flaw typically occurs during the handling of malformed PDF content that triggers unexpected execution paths in the memory management code. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use after free conditions in software development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve complete system compromise. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable Adobe application, potentially leading to data theft, system infiltration, or further lateral movement within a network. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is commonly used for document review and processing, as it can be triggered through simple PDF file attachments or web-based content. Attackers can craft malicious PDF files that, when opened by an affected version of Adobe Reader, will trigger the memory corruption and execute malicious payloads. This represents a classic attack vector that aligns with the ATT&CK framework's initial access and execution techniques, specifically targeting software exploitation methods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7767 primarily focus on immediate patching and application hardening measures. Adobe has released security updates addressing this vulnerability, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches across all affected systems. Additional protective measures include implementing PDF sandboxing features, restricting user privileges when opening PDF files, and deploying content filtering solutions that can detect and block suspicious PDF content. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and email security gateways should be configured to scan and quarantine potentially malicious PDF attachments. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege access controls for Adobe Reader installations and regularly audit their software inventory to identify and remediate other vulnerable applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches and demonstrates how memory corruption flaws can serve as primary attack vectors in targeted exploitation campaigns.