CVE-2023-44372 is a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability identified in Adobe Acrobat Reader, affecting versions 23.006.20360 and earlier, as well as 20.005.30524 and earlier. Use After Free vulnerabilities occur when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, leading to undefined behavior that attackers can exploit to execute arbitrary code. In this case, the vulnerability allows an attacker to execute code in the context of the current user by tricking the victim into opening a maliciously crafted PDF file. The vulnerability does not require any prior authentication but does require user interaction, specifically opening the malicious file. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 7.8, indicating a high severity level, with attack vector local (AV:L), 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). Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the potential for arbitrary code execution makes this a critical risk. The vulnerability could be leveraged to compromise systems, steal sensitive information, or disrupt operations. Adobe has not yet published patches, so users must monitor for updates and apply them promptly once available. The vulnerability affects a widely used PDF reader, making it a significant threat vector for targeted attacks or widespread exploitation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-44372 can be substantial. Adobe Acrobat Reader is extensively used across industries for document handling, including finance, government, healthcare, and legal sectors, all of which handle sensitive data. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to confidential documents, data theft, or installation of malware, potentially resulting in data breaches and operational disruptions. The arbitrary code execution capability means attackers could escalate privileges or move laterally within networks. Given the requirement for user interaction, phishing campaigns or malicious email attachments could be primary attack vectors, increasing risk for organizations with less mature email security or user awareness programs. The high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability underscores the threat to compliance with European data protection regulations such as GDPR. Additionally, critical infrastructure entities relying on Adobe Acrobat Reader for document workflows could face operational risks if exploited.

1. Monitor Adobe security advisories closely and apply patches immediately once released to remediate CVE-2023-44372. 2. Until patches are available, restrict the opening of PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources using email filtering and endpoint controls. 3. Implement application whitelisting and sandboxing for Adobe Acrobat Reader to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 4. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious PDF attachments and encourage verification of file sources. 5. Employ advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Consider disabling JavaScript execution within Acrobat Reader if not required, as it can reduce attack surface. 7. Use network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a system is compromised. 8. Regularly back up critical data and verify restoration processes to mitigate ransomware or destructive payload risks. 9. Review and tighten email gateway security policies to block or quarantine potentially malicious PDFs. 10. Conduct periodic security awareness training focusing on social engineering and phishing threats.