CVE-2022-28236 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE • 05/11/2022
Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.20085 (and earlier), 20.005.3031x (and earlier) and 17.012.30205 (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC across multiple version ranges including 22.001.20085 and earlier, 20.005.3031x and earlier, and 17.012.30205 and earlier. The flaw exists within the document processing engine responsible for parsing pdf files and can be triggered when the application attempts to write data beyond the allocated memory boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-787 which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions that occur when a program writes to memory locations outside the bounds of a buffer. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables arbitrary code execution when successfully exploited, allowing attackers to gain full control of the victim's system within the context of the current user privileges.
The exploitation mechanism requires user interaction through social engineering or phishing attacks where victims must open a maliciously crafted pdf file. This attack vector aligns with the attack technique T1204.002 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework which describes user execution through malicious files. The vulnerability demonstrates how document processing applications serve as prime targets for attackers due to their widespread use and the trust users place in opening office documents. When a victim opens the malicious file, the pdf parser encounters malformed data structures that cause the application to write beyond allocated memory regions, potentially overwriting critical program structures or executable code segments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the victim's environment. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise through privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or deployment of additional malware. The vulnerability affects users across multiple Acrobat Reader versions, making it particularly concerning for organizations with diverse software environments. Security professionals must consider the widespread adoption of Acrobat Reader in enterprise settings where users frequently open pdf documents from various sources including email attachments, web downloads, and shared network drives. The out-of-bounds write condition represents a fundamental memory safety issue that could be exploited to bypass modern security mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates to the latest versions of Acrobat Reader DC which contain patches addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict email filtering and web content security measures to prevent users from inadvertently opening malicious pdf files. Security teams should consider deploying sandboxing solutions that isolate pdf processing in restricted environments and monitor for unusual memory access patterns. Regular security awareness training for users to identify suspicious email attachments and download sources remains crucial. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Additionally, implementing automated patch management systems ensures that all vulnerable versions are updated promptly. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining current software versions and the risks associated with legacy software in enterprise environments. Organizations should also consider implementing extended detection and response capabilities to monitor for indicators of compromise related to pdf-based attacks and memory corruption exploits.