CVE-2023-26396 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE involves a local privilege escalation vulnerability found in the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC for macOS installer (AcroRdrDC_2200220191_MUI.pkg). The vulnerability was published on April 12, 2023, by Adobe.

Understanding CVE-2023-26396

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 23.001.20093 (and earlier) and 20.005.30441 (and earlier) are impacted by a Creation of Temporary File in Directory with Incorrect Permissions vulnerability. Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to privilege escalation within the current user's context, requiring user interaction through the opening of a malicious file.

What is CVE-2023-26396?

The CVE-2023-26396 pertains to a local privilege escalation vulnerability present in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC for macOS installer, potentially allowing an attacker to elevate privileges on the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26396

This vulnerability has a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with a CVSS base score of 7.8 (High). Attackers could leverage this flaw to escalate privileges within the user's context, posing a significant threat to the security of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26396

The following technical aspects are associated with CVE-2023-26396:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves the creation of temporary files in directories with incorrect permissions, leading to a local privilege escalation issue within Adobe Acrobat Reader for macOS.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Adobe
Product: Acrobat Reader
Affected Versions:
23.001.20093 and earlier
20.005.30441 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires user interaction, as the victim must interact with a malicious file to trigger the privilege escalation within the current user's context.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-26396 and prevent potential exploitation, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Adobe Acrobat Reader to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid opening files from untrusted or unknown sources to minimize the risk of exploitation.
Monitor official security advisories from Adobe for any recommended actions or patches.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security updates and patches for all software applications to stay protected against known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security awareness training to educate users about the risks associated with opening files from untrusted sources.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security updates and patches released by Adobe to address identified vulnerabilities and enhance the security posture of your systems.