CVE-2019-8029 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-2019-8029 represents a critical use after free flaw affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader software. This vulnerability manifests in versions including but not limited to 2019.012.20035, 2017.011.30142, 2015.006.30497, and their respective earlier iterations. The flaw exists within the memory management mechanisms of these applications, specifically within the handling of dynamically allocated memory blocks that are prematurely freed before subsequent access attempts occur. This particular vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-416, which classifies use after free conditions as a fundamental memory safety issue that can lead to unpredictable behavior and exploitation opportunities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious PDF content that triggers the improper memory handling during document processing. When the vulnerable software processes such malformed content, it attempts to access memory locations that have already been deallocated, creating a scenario where the freed memory block can be reallocated for different purposes. This reallocation allows an attacker to control the contents of the memory location, potentially enabling the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. The exploitation chain typically involves preparing a specially crafted PDF document that, when opened by the vulnerable application, triggers the memory corruption condition. This technique aligns with ATT&CK framework tactic T1059, specifically the execution of malicious code through application layer protocols.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8029 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can execute malicious payloads that may include remote access tools, malware installation, or data exfiltration mechanisms. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed software versions makes it particularly dangerous, as it affects users across different organizational environments and security postures. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk exposure, especially in environments where users frequently open PDF documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's exploitation potential has been documented in various threat intelligence reports, demonstrating its active use in targeted attacks and exploit kits.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8029 primarily focus on immediate remediation through software updates from Adobe. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader that contain patches addressing this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing defensive measures such as PDF sandboxing, restricted user permissions, and content filtering can provide additional layers of protection. Network-level controls including web application firewalls and content inspection systems can help detect and block malicious PDF content before it reaches vulnerable endpoints. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns consistent with memory corruption exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software security patches and implementing comprehensive vulnerability management programs to protect against such critical flaws.