CVE-2020-3793 : Security Advisory and Response

Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2020.006.20034 and earlier, 2017.011.30158 and earlier, 2017.011.30158 and earlier, 2015.006.30510 and earlier, and 2015.006.30510 and earlier have a use-after-free vulnerability that could lead to arbitrary code execution.

Understanding CVE-2020-3793

Adobe Acrobat and Reader are affected by a use-after-free vulnerability that poses a significant security risk.

What is CVE-2020-3793?

CVE-2020-3793 is a use-after-free vulnerability found in Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions mentioned above. Exploiting this flaw could result in arbitrary code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2020-3793

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to further compromise or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-3793

Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2020.006.20034 and earlier, 2017.011.30158 and earlier, 2017.011.30158 and earlier, 2015.006.30510 and earlier, and 2015.006.30510 and earlier are susceptible to this use-after-free vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by manipulating memory pointers after the memory has been freed.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2020.006.20034 and earlier
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2017.011.30158 and earlier
Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2015.006.30510 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious PDF file and convincing a user to open it, triggering the use-after-free condition and executing arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2020-3793.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Adobe Acrobat and Reader to the latest patched versions.
Exercise caution when opening PDF files from untrusted sources.
Implement security best practices to reduce the attack surface.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to patch known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and the importance of software updates.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released patches to address this vulnerability. Ensure that all instances of Adobe Acrobat and Reader are updated to the latest versions to mitigate the risk of exploitation.