CVE-2019-8194 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 out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to information disclosure .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2024
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical out-of-bounds read vulnerability that affects multiple versions across different release cycles. This vulnerability resides in the handling of PDF file structures and specifically manifests when processing malformed or specially crafted PDF documents. The flaw allows an attacker to manipulate memory access patterns that exceed the bounds of allocated memory regions, potentially leading to unauthorized data exposure. The vulnerability affects versions including but not limited to 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.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software implementations. When a PDF document is processed, the application's parser attempts to read data from memory locations that may not contain valid information or may have been freed. This memory access violation can occur during parsing of specific PDF objects or streams where the application fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries. The flaw typically occurs in the PDF content processing engine where the software does not adequately check input parameters before accessing memory structures, creating opportunities for attackers to craft malicious PDF files that trigger the vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a significant security risk in enterprise environments where PDF documents are frequently exchanged. Attackers can exploit this weakness by delivering malicious PDF files through various attack vectors including email attachments, web downloads, or compromised websites. The out-of-bounds read could potentially expose sensitive memory contents such as encryption keys, user credentials, or internal application data, depending on what memory locations are accessed. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may leverage the information disclosure to gain further access to systems or escalate privileges.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without user interaction. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to the latest versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms. Additionally, implementing content filtering solutions that scan PDF files for suspicious patterns can provide additional protection layers. Security teams should also consider deploying network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that the patched systems maintain their integrity against similar memory corruption vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of the Adobe ecosystem.