CVE-2019-8095 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 contain 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 resides in the PDF parsing functionality where the software fails to properly validate array indices when processing maliciously crafted PDF documents. The flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds memory access condition that occurs when the application attempts to read data from memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability is classified as CWE-125 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure and potential code execution. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires a user to open a specially crafted PDF file, making it a prime candidate for targeted attacks in phishing campaigns or supply chain compromises.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive data from memory segments that may contain passwords, encryption keys, or other confidential information. When exploited, the out-of-bounds read can cause the application to access uninitialized memory regions or memory locations belonging to other processes, potentially revealing critical system information that could be leveraged in subsequent attack phases. This vulnerability aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 sub-technique for application layer protocols and T1068 for exploit development. The memory corruption aspect of this vulnerability also relates to the broader category of memory safety issues that have historically been exploited in enterprise environments, particularly in scenarios where users frequently open PDF documents from untrusted sources. The vulnerability's presence across multiple product versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the PDF parsing engine that affects both current and legacy implementations.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including mandatory security updates to the latest versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, as well as deploying network-based protections such as PDF content filtering and sandboxing solutions. System administrators should consider implementing strict access controls that limit user interaction with PDF files from external sources and establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous application behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's susceptibility to remote code execution through additional attack vectors makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may encounter malicious PDF documents through email attachments, web downloads, or file sharing platforms. Security teams should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify suspicious memory access patterns and unauthorized data exfiltration attempts. Compliance with industry standards such as nist 800-171 and iso 27001 requires organizations to maintain up-to-date software patches and implement robust vulnerability management processes that address known issues like CVE-2019-8095. Additionally, user education programs should emphasize the importance of avoiding suspicious PDF files and verifying document sources before opening attachments.