Advisory Details

December 17th, 2018

Adobe Reader DC JavaScript AnnotsString Object Arbitrary Overwrite Restrictions Bypass Vulnerability

ZDI-18-1417
ZDI-CAN-7230

CVE ID CVE-2018-16018
CVSS SCORE 7.7, AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
AFFECTED VENDORS Adobe
AFFECTED PRODUCTS Reader
VULNERABILITY DETAILS

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass API restrictions on vulnerable installations of Adobe Reader. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

The specific flaw exists within the AnnotsString object. By creating a specially crafted PDF with specific JavaScript instructions, it is possible to overwrite the object's properties and methods. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute code in the context of the current process.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS Adobe has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb18-41.html
DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
  • 2018-09-10 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2018-12-17 - Coordinated public release of advisory
CREDIT Abdul-Aziz Hariri of Trend Micro Zero Day Initiative
BACK TO ADVISORIES