CVE-2019-8023 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 an out-of-bounds write vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2020
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability that affects multiple version ranges including 2019.012.20035 and earlier, 2017.011.30142 and earlier, 2017.011.30143 and earlier, and 2015.006.30497 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the handling of PDF file parsing operations where the software fails to properly validate array bounds when processing maliciously crafted PDF documents. The flaw allows an attacker to manipulate memory allocation and write data beyond the intended buffer boundaries, creating a condition that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write according to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, which specifically addresses situations where programs write data past the end of allocated buffer space. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Visual Basic, as it can be leveraged to execute malicious code through compromised PDF documents that users might legitimately open. The attack typically involves crafting a malicious PDF file that triggers the buffer overflow when the vulnerable application parses specific elements within the document structure. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can result in complete system compromise as attackers can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the application. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently open PDF documents from untrusted sources. The out-of-bounds write vulnerability represents a fundamental memory safety issue that can be exploited through social engineering techniques, where users are tricked into opening malicious PDF files. The exploitation process typically begins with the attacker creating a specially crafted PDF document containing malformed data structures that cause the application to perform invalid memory operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects widely used software across multiple versions, making it a prime target for mass exploitation campaigns. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader are at significant risk of being compromised through targeted attacks or automated exploitation attempts. The vulnerability can be mitigated through immediate patching of all affected versions, implementing strict PDF file validation policies, and deploying sandboxing solutions to isolate PDF processing operations. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of opening untrusted PDF files and network segmentation to limit the impact of successful exploitation are recommended defensive measures. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in commercial software applications, particularly those handling untrusted data formats like PDF files. Security researchers have noted that similar vulnerabilities in PDF processing libraries have been exploited in the past to deliver malware payloads, making this particular flaw a high-priority target for threat actors seeking to compromise systems through document-based attacks. The presence of this vulnerability across multiple major versions indicates a persistent issue in the software development lifecycle that requires comprehensive remediation efforts to address properly.