CVE-2019-7782 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 • 06/16/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader contain a critical use after free vulnerability that affects multiple product versions 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 CWE-416 which specifically addresses use after free conditions where a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed. The flaw occurs when the application processes maliciously crafted pdf files that trigger improper memory management during object deallocation. When an object is freed but subsequent code references it, attackers can manipulate the freed memory location to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. This vulnerability represents a significant threat vector in the context of the ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution.
The exploitation of this use after free vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious pdf document that when opened by the vulnerable Adobe application triggers the memory corruption. The attack typically begins with a user opening a specially crafted pdf file, which causes the application to free a memory object while still maintaining references to it. Attackers can then manipulate the freed memory to overwrite function pointers, return addresses, or other critical data structures. This manipulation allows for the execution of malicious code within the context of the Acrobat or Reader process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely through email attachments or web downloads, making it a prime target for phishing campaigns and drive-by download attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7782 extends beyond simple code execution as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Once an attacker gains code execution, they can leverage the elevated privileges to install additional malware, establish backdoors, or perform data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects multiple versions across different product lines, indicating a widespread exposure that requires immediate attention from organizations. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where pdf files are frequently exchanged and Adobe Reader is commonly used for document review. The use after free condition creates a window of opportunity for attackers to manipulate program flow and bypass modern security protections such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions to mitigate this vulnerability. Adobe has released security updates addressing this issue, and administrators should deploy these patches across all affected systems. Additional mitigations include implementing strict email filtering to prevent malicious pdf attachments from reaching users, disabling automatic pdf preview in web browsers, and educating users about the dangers of opening pdf files from untrusted sources. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious pdf file activity can also help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and following security best practices as outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-128 and ISO 27001 for effective vulnerability management and risk mitigation.