CVE-2019-8213 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 • 01/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-8213 represents a critical use after free flaw affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader software. This vulnerability manifests in the handling of memory management within the application's processing of PDF documents, creating a scenario where freed memory blocks are still accessed by subsequent operations. The flaw exists in versions including but not limited to 2019.012.20040, 2017.011.30148, and 2015.006.30503, indicating a long-standing issue that spans several major releases. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions, making it a well-documented and dangerous class of memory safety issue. The operational context of this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects one of the most widely used PDF viewers in enterprise and consumer environments, creating a substantial attack surface for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this use after free vulnerability occurs when the Adobe Acrobat or Reader application processes malformed PDF files containing specially crafted payloads. During normal operation, the software allocates memory for various objects within the PDF structure, but fails to properly track or validate the memory state after certain operations. When a legitimate memory block is freed but subsequent code paths attempt to access that same memory location, the application experiences undefined behavior. This memory corruption can be exploited by attackers who craft malicious PDF documents designed to trigger the specific conditions that lead to the use after free scenario. The exploitation mechanism typically involves manipulating the PDF object hierarchy to force the application into freeing memory that is subsequently accessed, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code within the context of the running application.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8213 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain complete control over the affected systems. When successful, the vulnerability allows remote code execution without requiring user interaction, as the exploit can be delivered through malicious PDF files that are opened automatically or through web-based delivery mechanisms. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may inadvertently open malicious attachments or navigate to compromised websites hosting malicious PDF content. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which describes exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and control through application layer protocols. The vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within networks, as the compromised application runs with the privileges of the user who opened the malicious document.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8213 must be comprehensive and multi-layered to address both immediate and long-term security concerns. The primary recommendation involves immediate patching of all affected Adobe Acrobat and Reader installations to the latest versions that contain the necessary memory management fixes. Organizations should implement strict PDF file handling policies, including sandboxing of PDF processing, content filtering, and mandatory security scanning of all PDF documents before opening. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls and email security gateways should be configured to block or quarantine suspicious PDF files. Additionally, security awareness training for end users should emphasize the dangers of opening unexpected PDF attachments and navigating to untrusted websites. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies as outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining unpatched systems, while incident response procedures should be established to quickly address potential exploitation attempts.