CVE-2019-8174 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 an untrusted pointer dereference vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8174 represents a critical untrusted pointer dereference flaw affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader software across different release cycles. This vulnerability manifests in versions including but not limited to 2019.012.20040 and earlier, 2017.011.30148 and earlier, and 2015.006.30503 and earlier, creating a widespread attack surface that impacts users across different software generations. The flaw resides in how the applications handle memory pointers during document processing operations, specifically when parsing PDF files that contain maliciously crafted data structures.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476, which describes a null pointer dereference condition that occurs when a program attempts to access memory through a pointer that has not been properly validated or initialized. In the context of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, this occurs during the processing of PDF documents where the software fails to adequately validate pointer references before attempting to dereference them. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious PDF files that contain specially constructed pointer values designed to trigger the vulnerable code path, causing the application to attempt to access invalid memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple exploitation as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve arbitrary code execution within the context of the user's session. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows threat actors to execute malicious code with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This arbitrary code execution capability enables attackers to install malware, establish persistence mechanisms, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the compromised system. The vulnerability's exploitation typically occurs during normal PDF document processing activities, making it particularly dangerous as users may unknowingly trigger the exploit while performing routine tasks such as opening legitimate documents.
The attack vector for CVE-2019-8174 primarily involves social engineering tactics where attackers distribute malicious PDF files through various channels including email attachments, compromised websites, or malicious download sources. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, where adversaries leverage software vulnerabilities to execute malicious code on target systems. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the widespread adoption of Adobe Acrobat and Reader across enterprise environments, making it an attractive target for both cybercriminals and nation-state actors seeking to establish persistent access to organizational networks. Organizations running affected versions of Adobe software face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring user interaction beyond opening a malicious document, making it particularly dangerous in targeted attack scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected Adobe software versions to the latest available releases that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive software update management processes to ensure all endpoints receive security patches in a timely manner. Additional protective measures include deploying sandboxing solutions to isolate PDF processing activities, implementing strict email filtering controls to prevent malicious attachments from reaching users, and conducting regular security awareness training to educate personnel about the risks of opening untrusted PDF files. Network-based intrusion detection systems should also be configured to monitor for suspicious PDF-related traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Furthermore, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized software, thereby reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters of this vulnerability.