CVE-2019-8169 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 contain a type confusion vulnerability that affects multiple version ranges including 2019.012.20040 and earlier, 2017.011.30148 and earlier, and 2015.006.30503 and earlier. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of object types during runtime operations, creating conditions where the software incorrectly interprets data as belonging to one type while it actually belongs to another. The flaw manifests when the application processes maliciously crafted pdf files that contain specially constructed objects designed to trigger this type confusion scenario.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it within the CWE-471 category of "Incorrectly Handling of Different Data Types" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain code execution. When exploited, the type confusion allows an attacker to manipulate memory operations and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user. This occurs because the software fails to properly validate type information during object manipulation, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for malicious purposes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables remote code execution attacks through malicious pdf documents. Attackers can craft specially formatted pdf files that, when opened by vulnerable versions of Adobe Acrobat or Reader, trigger the type confusion flaw. This creates a high-severity threat vector that can be exploited in phishing campaigns, drive-by download scenarios, or through malicious websites hosting compromised content. The vulnerability affects users across multiple Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions, making it a widespread concern for organizations relying on these applications for document processing.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of all affected versions to address the root cause of the type confusion vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict document validation policies and consider deploying sandboxing solutions to isolate pdf processing operations. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block suspicious pdf content, while user education programs should emphasize the importance of only opening pdf files from trusted sources. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and maintaining up-to-date security patches across all systems can significantly reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and type safety in software development practices, particularly for applications handling untrusted data such as pdf documents.