Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.2011x (and earlier), 20.005.3033x (and earlier), and 17.012.3022x (and earlier) are impacted by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. This vulnerability allows an attacker to read past the end of an allocated memory structure when parsing a specially crafted file, which could lead to the bypass of security mitigations like ASLR. Importantly, exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, as the victim must open a malicious file.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as medium with a CVSS score of 5.5, which indicates a moderate risk to organizations. The potential impact includes a high confidentiality impact, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive information if exploited.
Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability to prevent potential exploitation. Users need to be educated about the risks associated with opening files from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies should be established to minimize the risk of exploitation, including ensuring all users are on the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability indicates that it arises from an out-of-bounds read when parsing crafted files. The affected products include Adobe Acrobat DC and Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, specifically versions up to 22.001.20085 and 20.005.30314 respectively. The vulnerability has been analyzed and classified under CWE-125.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read, which occurs during the file parsing process. The attack vector is local, requiring an attacker to convince a user to open a malicious file. The attack complexity is low, with no privileges required, but it necessitates user interaction. The vulnerability does not impact the availability or integrity of the system, although it can significantly affect confidentiality.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability is notable, as it can be exploited to access sensitive data without the need for advanced skills. The blast radius is considerable due to the widespread use of Adobe Acrobat Reader across various sectors. Organizations are urged to assess the urgency of this vulnerability, especially those that handle sensitive documents.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader include 22.001.2011x and earlier, 20.005.3033x and earlier, and 17.012.3022x and earlier. Users should ensure they are running the latest versions to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by Adobe. Users are encouraged to verify their version of Adobe Acrobat and update to version 22.001.20085 or later. For those unable to apply the patch immediately, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting file types that can be opened or employing additional security controls. Continuous monitoring should also be established to detect any unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should validate remediation through penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any attempts to open untrusted files or files from unknown sources. Behavioral anomalies in the application, such as unusual memory usage spikes or crashes, should also be tracked. Implementing network signatures to detect malicious file downloads can further enhance security.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2022-28261 reflects the ongoing need for vigilance in file handling practices within Adobe Acrobat products. This vulnerability exemplifies the persistent risk associated with user interactions in software applications. Security teams must remain proactive, learning from past vulnerabilities and ensuring robust defensive measures are in place. Organizations are encouraged to adopt comprehensive security assessments, including vulnerability management programs to continuously identify and mitigate potential risks. Moreover, ongoing training for users on recognizing phishing attempts and malicious files is crucial. By doing so, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of exploitation.
For further insights into effective defensive strategies, organizations should explore penetration testing methodologies and the importance of integrating security into the software development lifecycle.
Additionally, organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities by following industry best practices and participating in relevant security communities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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