CVE-2019-8015 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions , 2019.012.20035 and earlier, 2019.012.20035 and earlier, 2017.011.30142 and earlier, 2017.011.30143 and earlier, 2017.011.30142 and earlier, 2015.006.30497 and earlier, and 2015.006.30498 and earlier have a heap overflow vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2020
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications have been found to contain a heap overflow vulnerability classified as CVE-2019-8015 affecting multiple version ranges including 2019.012.20035 and earlier, 2017.011.30142 and earlier, 2015.006.30497 and earlier, and their respective subsequent versions. This vulnerability resides in the handling of malformed PDF files and represents a critical security flaw that could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The heap overflow occurs when the software fails to properly validate input data during PDF parsing operations, specifically when processing certain embedded objects or streams within the document structure. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking mechanisms that allow an attacker to craft malicious PDF files that trigger memory corruption during the parsing process. When exploited, this heap overflow can result in the execution of malicious code with the privileges of the user running the vulnerable software, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where users frequently open PDF documents from untrusted sources. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through social engineering campaigns targeting end users or through automated exploitation in compromised networks, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain up-to-date security patches. The vulnerability falls under the MITRE ATT&CK framework category of T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code on target systems. Organizations utilizing these applications are advised to immediately apply patches from Adobe's security bulletin to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing challenges in PDF processing security and highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory safety mechanisms in widely used software applications. Proper security hygiene requires regular updates and monitoring of security advisories to protect against such critical vulnerabilities that can be exploited remotely without user interaction. The impact extends beyond individual user systems to enterprise networks where PDF documents are commonly shared and opened by multiple users across various applications.