CVE-2019-8176 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 use after free vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8176 represents a critical use after free flaw affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader software. This issue manifests in the handling of memory management within the affected applications, specifically when processing certain PDF documents. The vulnerability impacts versions including 2019.012.20040 and earlier, 2017.011.30148 and earlier, and 2015.006.30503 and earlier, creating a widespread risk across multiple software generations. The flaw stems from improper memory deallocation practices where the application continues to reference memory locations after they have been freed, creating opportunities for malicious code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions in memory management. This flaw operates at the intersection of software security and memory corruption, where an attacker can manipulate the application's memory handling to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability typically occurs when a program frees a memory block but continues to use references to that memory location, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite freed memory with malicious data. This creates a scenario where crafted PDF content can trigger the vulnerable code path, leading to the exploitation of the use after free condition.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8176 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise systems through document-based attacks. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability allows adversaries to gain arbitrary code execution capabilities within the context of the affected application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that PDF documents are commonly encountered in business environments and are frequently opened by users without security awareness. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions suggests that organizations may be exposed across various deployment scenarios, making the risk assessment and remediation efforts more complex.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Adobe. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader that address the use after free condition, as these releases contain the necessary memory management fixes. Additionally, implementing defensive measures such as sandboxing PDF processing, restricting user permissions when opening documents, and employing advanced email filtering solutions can provide layered protection. Network-based defenses including web application firewalls and content filtering systems should be configured to block suspicious PDF content from untrusted sources. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under technique T1203, which involves exploiting software vulnerabilities for code execution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular patching, security monitoring, and incident response procedures.