CVE-2020-3754 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2019.021.20061 and earlier, 2017.011.30156 and earlier, 2017.011.30156 and earlier, and 2015.006.30508 and earlier have a buffer error vulnerability. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2025
Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications contain a critical buffer overflow vulnerability that affects multiple versions across different release cycles. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation when processing specially crafted pdf files, creating a condition where an attacker can write data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory buffers. The flaw exists in the document parsing functionality that handles various pdf elements including fonts, images, and embedded objects. When a maliciously constructed pdf file is opened, the application fails to properly bounds-check data reads and writes, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the victim user, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users may open untrusted documents. The vulnerability affects versions up to and including 2019.021.20061, 2017.011.30156, and 2015.006.30508, representing a significant attack surface across multiple years of software releases. The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers stack-based buffer overflow scenarios. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for organizations since it can be exploited through simple email attachments or web downloads without requiring any additional user interaction beyond opening the malicious document. The attack vector typically involves social engineering campaigns where users are tricked into opening compromised pdf files, making it particularly effective in phishing operations. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability can be exploited through various pdf elements such as embedded javascript, XObjects, and font data structures. The impact extends beyond individual user compromise to potentially enable full system takeovers, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within network environments. Organizations should immediately implement patch management procedures to upgrade to Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability, as the window for exploitation remains open for unpatched systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under initial access and execution techniques, specifically leveraging malicious document files to establish persistent access to target systems. Network segmentation and email filtering should be implemented as additional protective measures while waiting for comprehensive patch deployment across all affected systems. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how legacy software security flaws can remain exploitable for years, emphasizing the importance of regular security assessments and timely patch management across all software platforms.