CVE-2017-16368: Buffer Overflow / Underflow in Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, 11.0.22 and earlier versions
An issue was discovered in Adobe Acrobat and Reader: 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, and 11.0.22 and earlier versions. This vulnerability leads to a stack-based buffer overflow condition in the internal Unicode string manipulation module. It is triggered by an invalid PDF file, where a crafted Unicode string causes an out of bounds memory access of a stack allocated buffer, due to improper checks when manipulating an offset of a pointer to the buffer. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability and achieve arbitrary code execution if they can effectively control the accessible memory.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2017-16368 is a critical security vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, specifically versions 2017.012.20098 and earlier, 2017.011.30066 and earlier, 2015.006.30355 and earlier, and 11.0.22 and earlier. The vulnerability arises from a stack-based buffer overflow in the internal Unicode string manipulation module. This flaw is triggered when a specially crafted PDF file contains an invalid Unicode string that causes out-of-bounds memory access on a stack-allocated buffer. The root cause is improper validation of pointer offsets during Unicode string manipulation, which allows attackers to overwrite memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. Exploiting this vulnerability enables an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Adobe Acrobat or Reader. The attack vector requires the victim to open or preview a malicious PDF file, which means user interaction is necessary. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating a high severity level, with attack vector network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). There are no known public exploits in the wild, and no official patches are linked in the provided data, but Adobe has historically issued updates to address such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-119, which relates to improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer, a common and dangerous class of software bugs.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Adobe Acrobat Reader as a standard PDF viewer in both corporate and governmental environments. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or disrupt operations. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and infrastructure could be targeted to cause substantial damage. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious PDF) means phishing campaigns or targeted spear-phishing attacks could be effective vectors, which are common tactics in Europe. Additionally, the vulnerability affects multiple versions, including older ones that may still be in use due to legacy system constraints, increasing the attack surface. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers could develop exploits given the public disclosure. European organizations with less mature patch management or user awareness programs are particularly vulnerable.
Mitigation Recommendations
European organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation strategy beyond generic patching advice. First, ensure all Adobe Acrobat and Reader installations are updated to the latest versions where this vulnerability is patched; if updates are unavailable, consider disabling or restricting the use of vulnerable versions. Deploy advanced email filtering and sandboxing solutions to detect and block malicious PDF attachments before reaching end users. Implement strict user training programs focused on recognizing phishing attempts and the dangers of opening unsolicited or suspicious PDF files. Utilize application whitelisting and endpoint protection platforms capable of detecting anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a compromise occurs. Additionally, consider disabling JavaScript execution within PDFs if not required, as this can reduce exploitation vectors. Regularly audit and inventory software versions across the organization to identify and remediate vulnerable instances promptly. For high-risk environments, consider using PDF viewers with a stronger security posture or sandboxed environments to open untrusted documents.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Austria
CVE-2017-16368: Buffer Overflow / Underflow in Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, 11.0.22 and earlier versions
Description
An issue was discovered in Adobe Acrobat and Reader: 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, and 11.0.22 and earlier versions. This vulnerability leads to a stack-based buffer overflow condition in the internal Unicode string manipulation module. It is triggered by an invalid PDF file, where a crafted Unicode string causes an out of bounds memory access of a stack allocated buffer, due to improper checks when manipulating an offset of a pointer to the buffer. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability and achieve arbitrary code execution if they can effectively control the accessible memory.
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2017-16368 is a critical security vulnerability affecting multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader, specifically versions 2017.012.20098 and earlier, 2017.011.30066 and earlier, 2015.006.30355 and earlier, and 11.0.22 and earlier. The vulnerability arises from a stack-based buffer overflow in the internal Unicode string manipulation module. This flaw is triggered when a specially crafted PDF file contains an invalid Unicode string that causes out-of-bounds memory access on a stack-allocated buffer. The root cause is improper validation of pointer offsets during Unicode string manipulation, which allows attackers to overwrite memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries. Exploiting this vulnerability enables an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running Adobe Acrobat or Reader. The attack vector requires the victim to open or preview a malicious PDF file, which means user interaction is necessary. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating a high severity level, with attack vector network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), unchanged scope (S:U), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). There are no known public exploits in the wild, and no official patches are linked in the provided data, but Adobe has historically issued updates to address such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-119, which relates to improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer, a common and dangerous class of software bugs.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of Adobe Acrobat Reader as a standard PDF viewer in both corporate and governmental environments. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, enabling attackers to install malware, steal sensitive information, or disrupt operations. Given the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and infrastructure could be targeted to cause substantial damage. The requirement for user interaction (opening a malicious PDF) means phishing campaigns or targeted spear-phishing attacks could be effective vectors, which are common tactics in Europe. Additionally, the vulnerability affects multiple versions, including older ones that may still be in use due to legacy system constraints, increasing the attack surface. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers could develop exploits given the public disclosure. European organizations with less mature patch management or user awareness programs are particularly vulnerable.
Mitigation Recommendations
European organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation strategy beyond generic patching advice. First, ensure all Adobe Acrobat and Reader installations are updated to the latest versions where this vulnerability is patched; if updates are unavailable, consider disabling or restricting the use of vulnerable versions. Deploy advanced email filtering and sandboxing solutions to detect and block malicious PDF attachments before reaching end users. Implement strict user training programs focused on recognizing phishing attempts and the dangers of opening unsolicited or suspicious PDF files. Utilize application whitelisting and endpoint protection platforms capable of detecting anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Network segmentation can limit lateral movement if a compromise occurs. Additionally, consider disabling JavaScript execution within PDFs if not required, as this can reduce exploitation vectors. Regularly audit and inventory software versions across the organization to identify and remediate vulnerable instances promptly. For high-risk environments, consider using PDF viewers with a stronger security posture or sandboxed environments to open untrusted documents.
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Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- adobe
- Date Reserved
- 2017-11-01T00:00:00.000Z
- Cisa Enriched
- true
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 682d981cc4522896dcbda621
Added to database: 5/21/2025, 9:08:44 AM
Last enriched: 7/3/2025, 8:42:10 AM
Last updated: 7/30/2025, 6:59:14 PM
Views: 10
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