Learn about CVE-2022-35672 affecting Adobe Acrobat Reader. Understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps to secure systems against remote code execution.
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Font Parsing Out-Of-Bounds Read Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Understanding CVE-2022-35672
Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 22.001.20085 and earlier, 20.005.30314 and earlier, and 17.012.30205 and earlier are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability during crafted file parsing, potentially leading to remote code execution.
What is CVE-2022-35672?
CVE-2022-35672 refers to a critical vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the targeted user. The exploit requires user interaction by opening a malicious file.
The Impact of CVE-2022-35672
The impact is severe with a CVSS base score of 7.8 out of 10, indicating a high severity level. Attackers could achieve remote code execution, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system without requiring any special privileges.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-35672
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stems from an out-of-bounds read issue in the font parsing functionality of Adobe Acrobat Reader. By enticing a victim to open a specially crafted file, an attacker could trigger this flaw and potentially execute malicious code on the victim's system.
Affected Systems and Versions
Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 22.001.20085, 20.005.30314, and 17.012.30205, along with their earlier iterations, are confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are at risk of exploitation.
Exploitation Mechanism
Successful exploitation of CVE-2022-35672 requires a victim to interact with a malicious file. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to achieve unauthorized code execution on the target system.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2022-35672, Adobe Acrobat Reader users are advised to update their software to the latest patched versions promptly. Users should exercise caution when opening files from untrusted sources to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
In the long term, users should implement robust security practices such as regular software updates, endpoint protection, and user awareness training to enhance overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
Adobe has released security updates addressing CVE-2022-35672. It is imperative for users to apply these patches immediately to protect their systems from potential exploitation.