CVE-2018-4990 affects multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, specifically versions 2018.011.20038 and earlier, 2017.011.30079 and earlier, and 2015.006.30417 and earlier. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit a Double Free condition, which may lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Given the potential for remote code execution, organizations must assess their deployment of Adobe products and take immediate action.
The vulnerability is classified as high severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8. This rating indicates a serious risk that could be exploited over a network, making it essential for organizations using affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader to prioritize patching. The current exploitation status, indicated by its inclusion in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, further underscores the urgency for remediation.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems. The risk is amplified by the requirement for user interaction, meaning that exploitation could occur through social engineering tactics or malicious documents.
Given the critical nature of this vulnerability, organizations are advised to review their current versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader and apply the necessary updates as per vendor instructions to mitigate the risk effectively.
For more detailed guidance and updates, organizations can refer to Adobe's official advisory on this issue.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is characterized by a Double Free condition in Adobe Acrobat and Reader. This flaw has been classified under CWE-415. The CVSS score of 8.8 indicates that successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, significantly impacting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
The affected products include:
Product | Version |
|---|---|
Adobe Acrobat DC | 15.006.30060 to 15.006.30417 |
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC | 15.006.30060 to 15.006.30417 |
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a failure to properly manage memory allocations, specifically leading to a Double Free condition. This type of flaw can result in memory corruption, allowing the attacker to control the flow of execution within the application.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely. The complexity of the attack is low, requiring no special privileges and minimal user interaction, which heightens the potential for exploitation.
The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are categorized as high. An attacker could gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or modify files, ultimately affecting the operations of organizations using the affected software.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes the potential for significant data breaches and unauthorized access to systems. The blast radius could be extensive, particularly in environments where Adobe Acrobat and Reader are widely used for document handling and processing.
Given the CVSS score of 8.8, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The urgency is further compounded by its inclusion in the known exploited vulnerabilities catalog, indicating active threats in the wild.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions affected include:
Affected Product | Version |
|---|---|
Adobe Acrobat DC | 15.006.30060 to 15.006.30417 |
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC | 15.006.30060 to 15.006.30417 |
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2018-4990, organizations should apply the necessary patches provided by Adobe. The affected versions should be updated to the latest, secure versions immediately.
For systems that cannot be immediately updated, organizations may consider implementing additional security measures such as restricting network access to Adobe products and monitoring for unusual activity. Further, organizations are encouraged to establish a comprehensive penetration testing program to identify potential vulnerabilities within their environment.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation, such as unusual application crashes or unauthorized access attempts. Behavioral anomalies in the usage of Adobe Acrobat and Reader should be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations relying on Adobe Acrobat and Reader for document management. The high CVSS score and its inclusion in the KEV catalog highlight the importance of proactive vulnerability management. Security teams should prioritize the implementation of updates and conduct regular assessments to ensure the security of their environments.
Understanding the patterns of such vulnerabilities can inform better security practices. For additional insights on vulnerability management, organizations may benefit from exploring the following resources:
vulnerability management program design and penetration testing methodology best practices.
Ultimately, organizations must remain vigilant against such vulnerabilities and ensure they are prepared to respond effectively.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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