CVE-2017-16376 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-16376 affecting Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions, leading to potential data exposure. Find mitigation steps and update recommendations here.
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2017.012.20098 and earlier, 2017.011.30066 and earlier, 2015.006.30355 and earlier, as well as 11.0.22 and earlier are affected by a vulnerability that could lead to data exposure.
Understanding CVE-2017-16376
This CVE identifies a security flaw in Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions that could potentially disclose sensitive information.
What is CVE-2017-16376?
The vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2017.012.20098 and below, 2017.011.30066 and below, 2015.006.30355 and below, and 11.0.22 and below stems from a calculation within the MakeAccessible plugin that reads data beyond the intended buffer, potentially exposing sensitive information.
The Impact of CVE-2017-16376
Exploiting this vulnerability could result in the disclosure of sensitive data due to an invalid pointer offset when accessing internal data structure fields.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-16376
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from a computation within the MakeAccessible plugin that reads data beyond the target buffer, potentially leading to sensitive data exposure.
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
The vulnerability is caused by an out-of-bounds read due to an invalid pointer offset when accessing internal data structure fields.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Adobe Acrobat and Reader to the latest version available from the official Adobe website.
- Regularly check for security advisories and patches from Adobe.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement regular security training for users to recognize and report suspicious activities.
- Utilize endpoint protection solutions to detect and prevent potential attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches and updates provided by Adobe promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.