CVE-2024-34097 in Acrobat Reader
Summary
by MITRE • 05/15/2024
Acrobat Reader versions 20.005.30574, 24.002.20736 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 • 03/30/2025
Adobe Acrobat Reader presents a critical use after free vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-34097 affecting versions up to and including 20.005.30574 and 24.002.20736. This vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the application's handling of certain file structures, creating a scenario where freed memory blocks are still accessed by subsequent operations. The flaw manifests when the software processes maliciously crafted PDF files that contain specially constructed objects designed to trigger the use after free condition during memory deallocation. This memory corruption vulnerability falls under the CWE-416 category, specifically addressing use after free conditions that occur when program code continues to reference memory after it has been freed, creating potential for arbitrary code execution. The exploitation requires user interaction through opening a malicious file, making it a client-side attack vector that leverages social engineering tactics to deliver payloads. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user, potentially enabling full system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given Acrobat Reader's widespread deployment across enterprise environments and individual user systems. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution as it can be leveraged for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent backdoors. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers can execute malicious code through compromised applications. The memory corruption aspect creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate program flow and potentially bypass modern exploit mitigations such as address space layout randomization and data execution prevention mechanisms. Organizations running affected versions should prioritize immediate patching as the vulnerability presents a high-risk attack surface that can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges. The use after free condition in PDF processing represents a particularly dangerous flaw because it can be triggered through routine document handling activities, making it difficult for users to defend against through simple behavioral changes. Security teams should implement network-based detection measures to identify suspicious PDF file transfers and consider application whitelisting to prevent execution of untrusted PDF content. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no specialized knowledge of the underlying system architecture, making it accessible to threat actors with varying skill levels. This characteristic increases the likelihood of widespread exploitation and underscores the critical nature of prompt remediation efforts. The affected versions represent a significant portion of Acrobat Reader deployments, suggesting that many organizations may be exposed to this vulnerability without proper awareness or mitigation measures in place.