CVE-2017-11218 : Security Advisory and Response

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 2017.009.20058 and earlier, 2017.008.30051 and earlier, 2015.006.30306 and earlier, and 11.0.20 and earlier are affected by a critical vulnerability related to XFA event management that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

Understanding CVE-2017-11218

This CVE entry identifies a specific vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader that could have severe consequences if exploited.

What is CVE-2017-11218?

CVE-2017-11218 is a use after free vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader versions mentioned above. It is related to the management of XFA events, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution if successfully exploited.

The Impact of CVE-2017-11218

The vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader versions could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, posing a significant security risk to users and organizations.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-11218

Adobe Acrobat Reader is susceptible to exploitation due to the following technical details:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a use after free issue in XFA event management, which could be abused by attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.009.20058 and earlier
Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.008.30051 and earlier
Adobe Acrobat Reader 2015.006.30306 and earlier
Adobe Acrobat Reader 11.0.20 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious XFA event, leading to the execution of arbitrary code on the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-11218 and enhance security, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Adobe Acrobat Reader to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Exercise caution when opening PDF files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Implement security best practices to protect against similar exploits.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released patches to address this vulnerability. Ensure that your software is up to date with the latest security fixes.