CVE-2019-8217 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-2019-8217 represents a critical use after free flaw in Adobe Acrobat and Reader software across multiple version ranges including 2019.012.20040 and earlier, 2017.011.30148 and earlier, and 2015.006.30503 and earlier. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program continues to reference memory after it has been freed, creating a dangerous condition that attackers can exploit to execute arbitrary code. The flaw exists within the software's memory management mechanisms, specifically in how it handles certain objects during processing of PDF files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-416 as a use after free condition, which is a well-documented and highly dangerous class of memory safety issues that have been the subject of numerous cyber attacks and exploitation techniques.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious PDF documents that, when opened by an affected version of Adobe Reader or Acrobat, trigger the use after free condition in memory management. When the application attempts to access freed memory locations, attackers can manipulate the memory contents to redirect execution flow and inject malicious code. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK framework category of Execution through the use of legitimate system utilities and application loading techniques. The vulnerability essentially creates a window of opportunity where memory corruption occurs, enabling attackers to gain control over the application's execution context and potentially escalate privileges to the user's level.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-8217 extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a significant threat vector for enterprise environments where Adobe Reader is commonly deployed. Organizations running affected versions face potential compromise through spearphishing campaigns that deliver malicious PDF attachments, or through compromised websites that serve exploit code. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version ranges indicates a persistent flaw in Adobe's codebase that required patching across several product lines, making it particularly concerning for security teams managing diverse software ecosystems. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of timely patch management and the risks associated with running outdated software in enterprise environments where PDF processing is common.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-8217 should include immediate deployment of Adobe's security patches and updates for all affected versions of Acrobat and Reader. Organizations should implement additional protective measures such as disabling PDF preview in web browsers, implementing content filtering systems, and using sandboxing techniques to contain potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to deliver malicious PDF files and monitor for exploitation patterns associated with use after free vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive application security testing including memory safety analysis and the importance of adhering to secure coding practices that prevent such dangerous memory management errors. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other applications and systems within the organization's attack surface.