CVE-2019-8028 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 use after free vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8028 represents a critical use after free flaw affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader software. This vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the affected applications, specifically in how they handle object references after memory deallocation. The issue manifests when the software attempts to access memory locations that have already been freed, creating a scenario where attackers can manipulate the program's behavior through carefully crafted malicious documents. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Adobe Reader versions including 2019.012.20035 and earlier, 2017.011.30142 and earlier, 2017.011.30143 and earlier, 2015.006.30497 and earlier, and 2015.006.30498 and earlier, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these applications in enterprise environments. This flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions where software continues to reference memory after it has been freed, creating potential for exploitation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the affected application. When a malicious PDF document is opened, the vulnerable code path triggers the use after free condition, allowing an attacker to overwrite critical memory structures or inject malicious code into the application's memory space. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to bypass modern security protections such as address space layout randomization and data execution protection mechanisms. The exploitation typically involves crafting a PDF file that contains malformed objects which, when processed by the vulnerable reader, causes the application to free memory associated with certain objects and then subsequently access that same memory region. This behavior creates an opportunity for attackers to control the execution flow of the application, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8028 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat vector for enterprise security environments where Adobe Reader is commonly deployed for document viewing. Organizations that have not patched their systems remain vulnerable to targeted attacks that could result in data breaches, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond opening a malicious document, making it particularly effective for phishing campaigns and social engineering attacks. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the arbitrary code execution capability to deploy additional malware or establish persistent access. The widespread adoption of Adobe Reader across different operating systems and platforms amplifies the potential impact, as attackers can target multiple environments with a single exploit.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through official Adobe security patches, as the vendor has released updates addressing this vulnerability in their software versions. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additional mitigations include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted PDF files, deploying sandboxing solutions to isolate document processing, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious PDF file transfers. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous behavior patterns associated with use after free exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in software development and highlights the need for regular security assessments of widely deployed applications. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation attempts and maintain awareness of related vulnerabilities that may affect similar software components.