CVE-2019-8035 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 read vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to information disclosure .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2020
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications have been identified with a critical out-of-bounds read 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 falls under the CWE-129 weakness category, which represents an insufficient validation of the length or range of data, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds read condition. The flaw occurs when the software fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries during processing of PDF files, allowing attackers to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer limits. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through maliciously crafted PDF documents that, when opened by an affected version of Adobe Acrobat or Reader, trigger the out-of-bounds read condition. The operational impact of successful exploitation includes potential information disclosure, where attackers can read sensitive data from memory locations that should not be accessible, potentially exposing confidential information such as encryption keys, user credentials, or other sensitive system data. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers may use the information disclosed to further compromise systems or escalate privileges. The attack surface is broad given that Adobe Acrobat and Reader are widely deployed across enterprise environments, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to sensitive documents and data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the PDF processing engine, where the software does not properly validate the bounds of arrays or buffers when parsing PDF content, particularly when handling malformed or crafted PDF files that contain malicious data structures. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability can be triggered through standard PDF document operations, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges or user interaction beyond opening a malicious document. The information disclosure aspect of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can potentially expose cryptographic material, session tokens, or other sensitive information that could be used for further attacks. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, implementing network-based protections such as sandboxing PDF processing, and deploying email filtering solutions that can detect and block malicious PDF attachments. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security updates and patch management programs, as this type of memory corruption vulnerability typically requires immediate remediation to prevent exploitation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of untrusted PDF files and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual memory access patterns. The widespread deployment of Adobe Acrobat and Reader across enterprise networks makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as a single compromised system could potentially provide attackers with access to sensitive corporate data and intellectual property. Security teams should also be aware that this vulnerability may be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors to create more sophisticated exploitation scenarios, particularly in targeted attacks against high-value targets within organizations. The remediation process should include not only updating the software but also conducting thorough security assessments of systems that may have been exposed to malicious PDF files prior to patching.