CVE-2019-7827 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 heap overflow vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical heap overflow 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 stems from improper input validation when processing specially crafted pdf files, specifically within the handling of embedded objects or streams that exceed allocated memory boundaries. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to write data beyond the bounds of a heap-allocated buffer, creating a condition where adjacent memory locations can be overwritten or corrupted. This heap overflow vulnerability is classified as a CWE-121 heap-based buffer overflow, which represents a fundamental memory safety issue that has been a persistent concern in software development. The vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through malicious pdf documents. The impact of successful exploitation is severe, allowing remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution on affected systems with the privileges of the user running the application. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by delivering a malicious pdf file through social engineering campaigns, phishing emails, or compromised websites, where the vulnerable software automatically processes the document upon opening. The memory corruption resulting from the heap overflow can be exploited to overwrite function pointers, return addresses, or other critical program data structures, potentially enabling privilege escalation or complete system compromise. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader face significant risk as these applications are widely deployed across enterprise environments and are frequently used to open documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's exploitability is enhanced by the fact that users often automatically open pdf attachments without verifying their source, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to establish persistent access to corporate networks. The remediation strategy requires immediate patching of all affected versions to the latest Adobe Acrobat and Reader releases, which include memory safety improvements and enhanced input validation mechanisms. Additionally, implementing security controls such as Adobe Acrobat Reader's built-in sandboxing features, email filtering solutions, and network-based intrusion detection systems can help mitigate the risk. Organizations should also consider restricting pdf file execution in email systems and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against zero-day exploits targeting widely used software applications. This particular vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign document processing functionality can become a vector for sophisticated attacks, emphasizing the critical need for robust memory safety practices in software development lifecycle processes.