CVE-2017-16368 : Security Advisory and Response

A security flaw has been identified in Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2017.012.20098 and earlier, 2017.011.30066 and earlier, 2015.006.30355 and earlier, and 11.0.22 and earlier, leading to a stack-based buffer overflow issue within the internal Unicode string manipulation module.

Understanding CVE-2017-16368

What is CVE-2017-16368?

The vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader allows unauthorized access to a stack allocated buffer due to inadequate checks while manipulating a pointer's offset, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16368

Exploiting this vulnerability can result in attackers gaining control over accessible memory, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16368

Vulnerability Description

Stack-based buffer overflow issue in the internal Unicode string manipulation module
Triggered by processing an invalid PDF file with a manipulated Unicode string
Unauthorized access to a stack allocated buffer due to inadequate checks

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions
Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions
Adobe Acrobat Reader 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions
Adobe Acrobat Reader 11.0.22 and earlier versions

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by manipulating a pointer's offset to the buffer
Unauthorized access to the stack allocated buffer allows for arbitrary code execution

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Adobe Acrobat and Reader to the latest patched versions
Exercise caution when opening PDF files from untrusted sources

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches
Implement network segmentation and access controls

Patching and Updates

Adobe released security updates to address this vulnerability