CVE-2017-16395 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability has been found 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. This vulnerability arises due to an incorrect length value in the image conversion module during the processing of Enhanced Metafile Format (EMF). When a specifically crafted EMF input (EMR_STRETCHDIBITS) is provided, it leads to a discrepancy between the allocated buffer size and the permitted access determined by the computation. If an attacker has sufficient control over the accessible memory, this vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary code.

Understanding CVE-2017-16395

This CVE identifies a buffer access vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions.

What is CVE-2017-16395?

CVE-2017-16395 is a security vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting an incorrect length value in the image conversion module.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16395

The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16395

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is caused by a buffer access with an incorrect length value in the image conversion module when processing Enhanced Metafile Format (EMF). Crafted EMF input (EMR_STRETCHDIBITS) causes a mismatch between allocated buffer size and the access allowed by the computation.

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 provide specifically crafted EMF input (EMR_STRETCHDIBITS)
Leads to a discrepancy between allocated buffer size and permitted access
Exploitation requires sufficient control over accessible memory

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-16395 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Adobe promptly
Consider implementing application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized software execution
Educate users about phishing attacks and suspicious email attachments

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and security solutions
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential breaches

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates to address the vulnerability
Ensure all affected versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader are updated to the latest patched versions