CVE-2019-7770 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 an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that affects multiple version ranges across different release cycles. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the PDF parsing functionality where the software fails to properly bounds-check array accesses when processing maliciously crafted PDF documents. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries during PDF object processing, particularly in handling embedded fonts and complex graphical elements. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to extract sensitive information from the application's memory space. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it can be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to system information that may aid in further exploitation activities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the extracted memory contents could potentially reveal sensitive data including encryption keys, user credentials, or system configuration details. Attackers can craft malicious PDF files that trigger the out-of-bounds read condition when opened by vulnerable versions of Adobe Acrobat or Reader, leading to unauthorized data extraction. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple product versions simultaneously, indicating a systemic flaw in the PDF parsing engine that has persisted across several release cycles. When exploited, the vulnerability can result in partial memory disclosure that may contain stack pointers, heap addresses, or other sensitive data structures that could be used to facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as heap spraying or return-oriented programming exploits. The memory corruption patterns associated with out-of-bounds reads often provide attackers with information about the target system's memory layout, which is crucial for bypassing modern exploit mitigations like address space layout randomization.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate patch deployment for all affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, as the vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to the latest versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader where the out-of-bounds read condition has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network-based protections such as PDF file filtering and sandboxing techniques to prevent execution of potentially malicious PDF documents. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for suspicious PDF file access patterns and implementing strict access controls for sensitive systems that may be exposed to untrusted PDF content. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in document processing applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. System administrators should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, as the memory disclosure characteristics make it particularly valuable for attackers seeking to understand target environments.