CVE-2019-8167 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 type confusion 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 contain a type confusion vulnerability that affects multiple versions across different release cycles. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of object types during runtime execution, where the software fails to properly validate data types when processing maliciously crafted PDF files. The flaw allows an attacker to manipulate memory operations by exploiting the way the application handles different data structures, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability exists in versions 2019.012.20040 and earlier, 2017.011.30148 and earlier, and 2015.006.30503 and earlier, indicating a long-standing issue that spans multiple product generations. This type confusion vulnerability falls under the CWE-466 category, which specifically addresses the issue of attempting to use a pointer to an object of one type as if it were an object of a different type. The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it can be exploited through malicious PDF files delivered via email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. When a user opens a specially crafted PDF file, the application's memory management routines become corrupted, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 by enabling initial access through malicious document files, and T1059 for command execution once the exploit succeeds. The attack vector typically involves social engineering campaigns where users are tricked into opening malicious documents, making this a particularly dangerous threat for enterprise environments where users frequently handle PDF documents from external sources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate object types during runtime operations, specifically when processing PDF objects that contain unexpected data structures. When the software attempts to access memory locations using incorrect type assumptions, it can result in memory corruption that allows attackers to redirect program execution flow. This type confusion typically occurs when the application uses a single memory location to store different types of objects without proper type checking mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered simply by opening a malicious PDF file, requiring no special user interaction beyond normal document opening procedures. Attackers can craft PDF files that manipulate the application's internal object management system, causing the software to interpret memory contents as different data types than intended. This memory corruption can be leveraged to overwrite critical program structures, inject malicious code, or manipulate program execution flow. The vulnerability's exploitation potential is enhanced by the widespread use of Adobe Acrobat and Reader across enterprise environments, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to compromise large numbers of systems. Security researchers have noted that this vulnerability can be particularly challenging to detect and prevent because it occurs at the application level rather than network level, making traditional network-based intrusion detection systems ineffective at preventing exploitation.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of affected Adobe Acrobat and Reader installations across all supported versions. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems receive security updates promptly, as the vulnerability affects multiple product versions spanning several years. System administrators should prioritize updating to the latest available versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, which include fixes for the type confusion vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should implement defensive measures such as PDF file scanning, restricted user permissions, and sandboxing techniques to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement network-based detection rules to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple product versions underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and continuous monitoring for similar issues. Organizations should also consider implementing email filtering and web proxy controls to prevent users from accessing potentially malicious PDF files from untrusted sources. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for Adobe Acrobat and Reader installations to ensure all systems remain protected against known vulnerabilities including CVE-2019-8167. The remediation process should also involve user education to help identify suspicious PDF files and avoid opening attachments from unknown senders, as social engineering remains a critical component of successful exploitation campaigns.