CVE-2022-28241 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC version 22.001.2011x (and earlier), 20.005.3033x (and earlier), and 17.012.3022x (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute code in the context of the current user.

Understanding CVE-2022-28241

This CVE involves an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, potentially leading to remote code execution.

What is CVE-2022-28241?

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions mentioned are vulnerable to an out-of-bounds read issue while parsing a crafted file. Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious file.

The Impact of CVE-2022-28241

The vulnerability poses a high risk with a CVSS base score of 7.8, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attack complexity is low, and no special privileges are needed for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-28241

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an attacker to read past the end of an allocated memory structure, enabling them to execute arbitrary code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.2011x, 20.005.3033x, and 17.012.3022x, and earlier are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, a victim must open a specially crafted file, which triggers the out-of-bounds read issue.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Acrobat Reader DC to the latest version to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software, exercise caution when opening files from unknown or untrusted sources, and consider implementing additional security layers.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates to address this vulnerability. It is crucial to apply these patches promptly to protect systems from potential attacks.