CVE-2017-2962 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 15.020.20042 and earlier, 15.006.30244 and earlier, and 11.0.18 and earlier are affected by a type confusion vulnerability in the XSLT engine. This vulnerability could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution.

Understanding CVE-2017-2962

This CVE involves a vulnerability in multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader, impacting the XSLT engine's localization functionality.

What is CVE-2017-2962?

The vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 15.020.20042 and earlier, 15.006.30244 and earlier, and 11.0.18 and earlier allows for type confusion in the XSLT engine, which, if exploited, could result in arbitrary code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2017-2962

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-2962

Adobe Acrobat Reader is susceptible to the following technical details:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a type confusion issue in the XSLT engine, specifically related to the localization functionality.

Affected Systems and Versions

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

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting a malicious XSLT document and tricking a user into opening a specially crafted PDF file, leading to the execution of arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-2962, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

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

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Implement security awareness training to educate users on safe browsing habits and recognizing potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates to address this vulnerability. Ensure that your Adobe Acrobat Reader is updated to the latest version to mitigate the risk of exploitation.