CVE-2022-28246 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC version 22.001.2011x and earlier, 20.005.3033x and earlier, 17.012.3022x and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability, allowing attackers to bypass mitigations and potentially disclose sensitive information.

Understanding CVE-2022-28246

This CVE identifier highlights a vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC that could lead to information disclosure due to an out-of-bounds read issue.

What is CVE-2022-28246?

CVE-2022-28246 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability affecting Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions prior to 22.001.2011x, 20.005.3033x, and 17.012.3022x. Exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction by opening a malicious file.

The Impact of CVE-2022-28246

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to read past the end of an allocated memory structure, potentially disclosing sensitive information. By leveraging this flaw, an attacker can bypass Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) mitigations.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-28246

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC involves an out-of-bounds read issue when processing crafted files, leading to memory structure overreads.

Affected Systems and Versions

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

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2022-28246, an attacker must compel a victim to open a malicious file, triggering the out-of-bounds read vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

For mitigation and prevention of CVE-2022-28246, specific steps and security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

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

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as avoiding opening files from untrusted sources, can enhance long-term protection against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from Adobe and promptly apply patches to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-28246.