CVE-2019-8166 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions , 2019.012.20040 and earlier, 2017.011.30148 and earlier, 2017.011.30148 and earlier, 2015.006.30503 and earlier, and 2015.006.30503 and earlier have a buffer overrun vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications have been found to contain a critical buffer overrun vulnerability affecting multiple version ranges including 2019.012.20040 and earlier, 2017.011.30148 and earlier, and 2015.006.30503 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking during memory allocation operations when processing specially crafted pdf files. The flaw manifests when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, creating potential for memory corruption that could be exploited by malicious actors. This type of vulnerability is classified as a classic buffer overflow condition that falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, representing a fundamental weakness in memory management practices within the software. The security implications are severe as successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the user running the application. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may open untrusted pdf documents from email attachments or web downloads. The attack vector typically involves crafting a malicious pdf file that triggers the buffer overrun when the vulnerable application attempts to parse and render the document. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to gain initial access and potentially establish persistent command execution capabilities. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. Organizations using affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader should immediately implement mitigations including disabling pdf processing in web browsers, applying patches from Adobe, and deploying network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the persistent challenges in software security where legacy code and complex document processing libraries continue to present attack surfaces that require ongoing vigilance and patch management. This particular flaw represents a significant risk to organizations relying on pdf document processing and highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing comprehensive security controls to protect against known vulnerabilities. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the widespread use of Adobe Reader across enterprise environments, making it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to establish footholds within organizational networks through document-based attacks.