CVE-2022-28240 : What You Need to Know

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Annotation Use-After-Free Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2022-28240

This CVE refers to a use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, which could lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.

What is CVE-2022-28240?

Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.2011x and earlier, 20.005.3033x and earlier, and 17.012.3022x and earlier are affected by a use-after-free vulnerability. Exploiting this issue requires user interaction, where a victim needs to open a malicious file.

The Impact of CVE-2022-28240

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 7.8, categorizing it as a high severity issue. It has a low attack complexity, requires user interaction, and can result in high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-28240

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC allows for a use-after-free attack, potentially leading to remote code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Acrobat Reader versions 22.001.2011x, 20.005.3033x, and 17.012.3022x, and earlier are confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Successful exploitation of CVE-2022-28240 requires a victim to interact with a malicious file, triggering the use-after-free condition and potentially executing arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update to the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Caution should be exercised when opening files from unknown or untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance security, users should practice safe browsing habits, regularly update software, and implement robust security measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released patches addressing this vulnerability. Users should promptly apply these patches to secure their systems against potential exploitation.