CVE-2020-24438 : Security Advisory and Response

Acrobat Reader DC versions 2020.012.20048 (and earlier), 2020.001.30005 (and earlier), and 2017.011.30175 (and earlier) are affected by a use-after-free vulnerability that could lead to a memory address leak.

Understanding CVE-2020-24438

This CVE involves a use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions.

What is CVE-2020-24438?

CVE-2020-24438 is a vulnerability in Acrobat Reader DC versions that could potentially result in information disclosure due to a use-after-free flaw.

The Impact of CVE-2020-24438

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service by exploiting the use-after-free issue in Acrobat Reader DC.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-24438

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The use-after-free vulnerability in Acrobat Reader DC versions could lead to a memory address leak, potentially enabling attackers to disclose sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Acrobat Reader
Vendor: Adobe
Affected Versions:
2017.011.30175 and earlier
2020.012.20048 and earlier
2020.001.30005 and earlier
None specified

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, where a victim must open a malicious file to trigger the use-after-free flaw.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-24438 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Acrobat Reader DC to the latest version available.
Avoid opening files from untrusted or unknown sources.
Exercise caution while interacting with PDF files from external or suspicious origins.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement security awareness training to educate users on safe computing practices.
Employ endpoint protection solutions to detect and prevent malicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released patches to address the vulnerability in affected versions of Acrobat Reader DC. Ensure timely installation of these updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.