CVE-2022-44518 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE • 12/19/2024
Acrobat Reader DC version 22.001.20085 (and earlier), 20.005.3031x (and earlier) and 17.012.30205 (and earlier) are affected by a use-after-free 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 • 12/19/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical use-after-free condition 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 occurs when the application processes maliciously crafted PDF files, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The vulnerability is classified as a use-after-free issue under CWE-416, which occurs when a program continues to use a pointer after the memory it points to has been freed, creating potential for memory corruption and code execution. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in document readers like Acrobat Reader because it leverages the common attack vector of social engineering through malicious file attachments.
The technical exploitation requires user interaction, meaning victims must actively open the malicious file for the vulnerability to be triggered. This makes the attack surface somewhat limited compared to fully automated exploits, but still highly concerning given the widespread use of Acrobat Reader and the typical user behavior of opening PDF attachments from emails or downloads. When the vulnerable application processes a specially crafted PDF file, it allocates memory for certain objects and subsequently frees that memory without proper nullification of pointers. Attackers can manipulate the application's memory management to cause a use-after-free condition that allows them to overwrite memory locations with malicious code or manipulate program execution flow. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which involves gaining access through exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and specifically targets the application's document parsing capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with the ability to perform complete system compromise when combined with other attack techniques. Since the exploit requires user interaction, attackers typically employ social engineering campaigns to deliver malicious PDF files through phishing emails, compromised websites, or malicious file downloads. The vulnerability affects users across multiple version lines, indicating a persistent flaw in the application's memory management that spans several major releases. This widespread impact makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where Acrobat Reader is commonly used for document viewing and processing. Organizations face the risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks when users open malicious PDF files, as the exploit can be used to establish persistent access or escalate privileges.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch management with the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader updates that address this specific memory corruption issue. Organizations should implement strict email filtering and sandboxing of PDF files to prevent automatic execution of potentially malicious documents. User education regarding suspicious email attachments and download sources remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation attempts. Network-based security controls such as web application firewalls and content inspection systems can help detect and block malicious PDF files before they reach end users. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles and regular security assessments can minimize the potential impact if exploitation does occur. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current software versions and the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that include regular patching of widely used applications. Organizations should also consider deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts through behavioral analysis and signature-based detection mechanisms.