CVE-2022-28239: High Vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.2011x (and earlier), 20.005.3033x (and earlier), and 17.012.3022x (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability when parsing a crafted file, which could result in a read past the end of an allocated memory structure. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.

This vulnerability is classified as high severity with a CVSS score of 7.8. The potential for exploitation underscores the critical need for organizations to prioritize patching to safeguard against unauthorized access and data breaches.

Organizations using affected versions of Adobe Acrobat should be aware of the risks associated with this vulnerability. Failure to address it could lead to significant security incidents.

Given the potential for exploitation, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. Immediate action is necessary to mitigate associated risks.

For more detailed information, refer to Adobe's official advisory.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability is detailed in Adobe's advisory and is classified under CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read). The affected products include Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader in various versions, which have been identified as being vulnerable to out-of-bounds read conditions.

The CVSS version 3.1 score indicates a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with user interaction required for successful exploitation.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of the vulnerability lies in the application's inability to handle crafted files properly, leading to out-of-bounds memory access. The attack vector is local, requiring the user to open a malicious file. The attack complexity is low, and no privileges are required for exploitation, making this vulnerability particularly concerning.

The impacts of this vulnerability are significant, as successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive data.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information, data loss, and potential for subsequent exploitation if the vulnerability is not remediated. The blast radius is considerable, affecting all users of affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader.

Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize remediation efforts based on the severity and potential impact.

Affected Versions

The affected versions include Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.2011x, 20.005.3033x, and 17.012.3022x. Organizations should assume all versions prior to vendor patches are vulnerable.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Ensure to upgrade to the latest version of Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Where patches are not available, consider implementing configuration hardening and network controls to limit exposure.

For comprehensive security assessments, organizations may consider engaging in application security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.

Detection Guidance

Organizations should monitor for unusual behavior in Adobe Acrobat and Reader applications. Key indicators include abnormal file parsing activities and logs indicating attempts to open malicious files.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its potential to be exploited in targeted attacks against organizations that use Adobe products. This incident illustrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and vigilant security practices.

Security teams should learn from this vulnerability to enhance their defensive strategies. For more insights into proactive security measures, organizations can explore our vulnerability management program and penetration testing methodology to strengthen your security posture.

Additionally, reviewing case studies can provide insights into real-world applications of security measures to mitigate such vulnerabilities. Our case study on HealthKart reveals how businesses can successfully adapt to evolving threats.