CVE-2022-28236 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Annotation Out-Of-Bounds Write Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2022-28236

Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.20085 (and earlier), 20.005.3031x (and earlier), and 17.012.30205 (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability that could lead to arbitrary code execution.

What is CVE-2022-28236?

CVE-2022-28236 is a vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system via a crafted malicious file, exploiting an out-of-bounds write issue.

The Impact of CVE-2022-28236

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a CVSS base score of 7.8. It could result in unauthorized access, data loss, and system compromise if exploited successfully. User interaction is required for the attack to be successful.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-28236

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves an out-of-bounds write, which could allow an attacker to write arbitrary data to an unintended memory location, potentially leading to the execution of malicious code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.20085, 20.005.3031x, and 17.012.30205 are confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are at risk until the issue is patched.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, a victim must be convinced to open a specially crafted malicious file, triggering the out-of-bounds write that could result in remote code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Adobe recommends users to update to the latest version of Acrobat Reader DC to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability. Users should also be cautious when opening files from unknown or untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall security posture, users are advised to follow best practices such as regularly updating software, using strong passwords, and implementing additional security measures like endpoint protection.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released a security update to address this vulnerability. Users are strongly encouraged to apply the latest patches provided by Adobe to protect their systems from potential exploitation.