CVE-2019-8202 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 version ranges including 2019.012.20040 and earlier, 2017.011.30148 and earlier, and 2015.006.30503 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the handling of malformed PDF files and represents a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs when the application attempts to access memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw manifests during the parsing of specific PDF objects where the software fails to properly validate array indices or buffer limits before performing memory reads. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of inputs, and can be categorized as a memory safety issue within the broader context of software security weaknesses.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires a maliciously crafted PDF file that triggers the out-of-bounds read condition when the affected software attempts to process the document. When successful, the vulnerability can lead to information disclosure as the application may read sensitive data from adjacent memory locations, potentially exposing internal system information, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in memory. The attack vector typically involves social engineering techniques where users are诱导 to open malicious PDF files through phishing campaigns, malicious email attachments, or compromised websites. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1204.002, which involves user execution through malicious file delivery, and represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where users frequently encounter PDF documents from untrusted sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8202 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from memory, which might include cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other credentials that could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version lines indicates a persistent flaw in the software's memory handling mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous as organizations may have legacy systems running older versions that remain unpatched. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where PDF processing is frequent, such as legal firms, financial institutions, or government agencies that regularly handle sensitive documents. The out-of-bounds read condition can potentially be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution, making it a critical target for threat actors seeking to compromise user systems.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Adobe Acrobat and Reader installations, as the vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond opening a malicious document. The recommended mitigation strategy includes implementing strict PDF file validation policies, deploying sandboxing solutions for PDF processing, and establishing comprehensive monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Security teams should also consider network-level controls such as PDF file filtering and content inspection to prevent malicious documents from reaching end-user systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in software development, particularly for applications that process untrusted data formats like PDF files. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs should include specific checks for similar out-of-bounds read conditions in document processing software, as these types of flaws continue to represent significant attack surfaces in enterprise environments.