CVE-2019-8049 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 • 09/29/2025
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a heap overflow vulnerability that affects multiple versions across different release cycles. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation when processing maliciously crafted pdf files, creating a condition where an attacker can write data beyond the boundaries of allocated heap memory regions. The flaw exists in the document parsing routines that handle various pdf objects and structures without adequate bounds checking mechanisms. When a specially crafted pdf file is opened, the application fails to properly validate the size and content of certain data structures, allowing an attacker to overflow adjacent heap memory locations. This heap overflow condition creates an opportunity for arbitrary code execution, as the attacker can manipulate memory layout to inject and execute malicious code within the application process context. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through simple file opening operations, requiring no special user interaction beyond viewing the malicious document.
The technical nature of this heap overflow vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where data is written beyond the boundaries of heap-allocated buffers. This weakness creates a predictable memory corruption pattern that can be leveraged by attackers to overwrite critical memory structures including return addresses, function pointers, or other control flow elements. The vulnerability affects multiple product versions spanning different release cycles, indicating a persistent flaw in the parsing logic that was not adequately addressed across various updates. Attackers can exploit this through the standard ATT&CK technique of initial access via malicious documents, leveraging the application's legitimate document processing capabilities to execute code remotely. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no user interaction beyond opening the malicious file, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attacks or phishing campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. When successfully exploited, the heap overflow can allow attackers to gain full control over the affected system, enabling them to install malware, establish persistent backdoors, or access sensitive information stored within the application or system. The vulnerability affects users across different operating systems including windows, macos, and linux platforms where Adobe Acrobat and Reader are deployed. Organizations using these applications are at risk of targeted attacks, especially in environments where users frequently open pdf documents from untrusted sources. The long timeframe of affected versions suggests that this vulnerability has remained unpatched for extended periods, increasing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Security teams must prioritize patching these vulnerable versions to prevent successful exploitation attempts that could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch deployment for all affected versions, with particular attention to the specific version ranges mentioned in the vulnerability description. Organizations should implement strict document validation policies, including sandboxing pdf processing and restricting pdf file access from untrusted sources. Network-based protections such as email filtering and web application firewalls should be configured to block potentially malicious pdf files from entering the network perimeter. Security monitoring should include detection of pdf file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the specific vulnerable parsing routines. Regular vulnerability assessments should verify that patched versions are properly deployed and that no legacy versions remain in use. Additionally, user awareness training should emphasize the dangers of opening pdf files from unknown sources, as social engineering remains a primary vector for exploitation of this type of vulnerability. The remediation process should also include monitoring for indicators of compromise that may indicate successful exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can lead to persistent threats within the network environment.