CVE-2017-2959 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 15.020.20042 and earlier, 15.006.30244 and earlier, and 11.0.18 and earlier are affected by a heap overflow vulnerability in the image conversion engine, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

Understanding CVE-2017-2959

There is a vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 15.020.20042 and previous, 15.006.30244 and previous, as well as 11.0.18 and previous. This vulnerability is found in the image conversion engine and is related to how color profile metadata is parsed. If this vulnerability is successfully exploited, it could result in arbitrary code execution.

What is CVE-2017-2959?

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 15.020.20042 and earlier, 15.006.30244 and earlier, and 11.0.18 and earlier are susceptible to a heap overflow vulnerability.
The vulnerability is located in the image conversion engine and involves the parsing of color profile metadata.
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2017-2959

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in arbitrary code execution on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-2959

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 15.020.20042 and earlier, 15.006.30244 and earlier, and 11.0.18 and earlier are affected by a heap overflow vulnerability in the image conversion engine.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a heap overflow issue in the image conversion engine of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
It is specifically related to the parsing of color profile metadata.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 15.020.20042 and earlier
Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 15.006.30244 and earlier
Adobe Acrobat Reader version 11.0.18 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious file containing specially crafted color profile metadata.
When the vulnerable Adobe Acrobat Reader processes this file, it could lead to a heap overflow, potentially allowing the execution of arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Adobe Acrobat Reader to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability.
Be cautious when opening files from untrusted sources to prevent potential exploitation. Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly update software and applications to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement security best practices such as network segmentation and access controls. Patch and Updates
Adobe has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Ensure that you apply these patches promptly to secure your system.