CVE-2019-7779 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 security bypass 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 applications contain a security bypass 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 resides in the document processing components of these applications and represents a critical weakness that allows attackers to bypass security mechanisms intended to protect against malicious file execution. The flaw enables unauthorized code execution when users open specially crafted PDF files, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over affected systems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which describes improper restriction of operations within a limited error handling scope, and specifically relates to memory safety issues that can be exploited through buffer overflows or similar mechanisms. The security bypass occurs at the application level where proper validation checks fail to prevent execution of malicious code embedded within PDF documents, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent the security controls that normally protect against such threats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise and potential data exfiltration. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user, potentially leading to complete system takeover. This threat is particularly severe because PDF files are commonly used in business environments and are frequently opened by unsuspecting users, making this vulnerability highly exploitable in targeted attacks. The vulnerability can be leveraged to install malware, steal sensitive information, or establish persistent access to compromised systems. Attackers can craft malicious PDF documents that appear legitimate to users while containing hidden malicious code that exploits this bypass mechanism. The attack surface is broad as the vulnerability affects multiple versions across different product lines, increasing the potential attack vectors and making it more challenging for organizations to fully remediate the issue. This vulnerability can be classified under the ATT&CK framework as part of the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution technique, where attackers exploit application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigations to protect against exploitation of this vulnerability. The primary recommendation is to update to the latest versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader where this vulnerability has been patched, specifically versions that have been released after the vulnerability disclosure date. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as PDF file scanning, restricted user permissions, and sandboxing mechanisms to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Network-based protections including web proxies that filter PDF content and email security solutions that scan attachments can provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability's classification as a security bypass makes it particularly dangerous in environments where users have elevated privileges or where sensitive data is stored, as exploitation could lead to privilege escalation and lateral movement within networks. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify systems that may still be running vulnerable versions, while user education about the risks of opening unknown PDF files remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation attempts.