CVE-2019-8188 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-2019-8188 represents a critical use after free flaw affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader software. 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 significant security risk for users of these applications. The flaw occurs within the memory management mechanisms of the software, specifically in how the application handles memory allocation and deallocation processes. When a program attempts to access memory that has already been freed, it creates an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit this condition and execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, which specifically addresses use after free conditions in software applications, making it a well-documented and dangerous class of memory safety issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this use after free vulnerability can gain arbitrary code execution privileges, potentially allowing them to install malware, steal sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects widely used document processing software, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit user trust in legitimate software applications. The attack surface is broad since Adobe Acrobat and Reader are commonly used across enterprise environments and personal computing devices, increasing the potential impact of any successful exploitation attempts.
Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability can be triggered through maliciously crafted PDF files, making it particularly dangerous in email attachment scenarios or when users download documents from untrusted sources. The exploitation process typically involves creating a specially formatted PDF document that, when opened by the vulnerable application, causes the software to improperly handle memory references. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes the use of malicious documents to gain initial access and execute code within target environments. Organizations should consider implementing strict document validation policies and limiting user privileges when handling PDF files, as these measures can significantly reduce the risk of successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping software updated and maintaining robust patch management procedures to protect against known memory safety issues that could be leveraged for advanced persistent threats.
The remediation approach for CVE-2019-8188 requires immediate action from system administrators and end users to update their Adobe Acrobat and Reader installations to versions that have addressed this memory safety flaw. Adobe has released patches and updates specifically designed to resolve this use after free vulnerability, and organizations should prioritize deployment of these security updates across all affected systems. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing sandboxing solutions and content filtering mechanisms to prevent potentially malicious PDF files from reaching end users. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs that can identify and remediate similar memory safety issues before they can be exploited by threat actors. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training to help users recognize potentially malicious documents and understand the risks associated with opening untrusted PDF files.