CVE-2023-44356 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides an overview of CVE-2023-44356, a vulnerability affecting Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Font parsing that could lead to information disclosure due to an out-of-bounds read issue.

Understanding CVE-2023-44356

CVE-2023-44356 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Font parsing that could allow an attacker to access sensitive memory and bypass certain mitigations, potentially leading to information disclosure.

What is CVE-2023-44356?

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 23.006.20360 and earlier, as well as 20.005.30524 and earlier, are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. This flaw could enable an attacker to disclose sensitive memory by exploiting the issue, which requires user interaction.

The Impact of CVE-2023-44356

The vulnerability poses a medium-level threat with a CVSS base score of 5.5, focusing on high confidentiality impact. Successful exploitation could result in the disclosure of sensitive information stored in the memory.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-44356

The vulnerability stems from an out-of-bounds read flaw in Adobe Acrobat Reader's Font parsing module. This issue allows attackers to access sensitive memory and bypass certain protections like ASLR, requiring user interaction through the opening of a malicious file.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2023-44356 is classified under CWE-125 - Out-of-bounds Read, highlighting the specific nature of the vulnerability with a focus on information disclosure through memory access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 23.006.20360 and 20.005.30524 (and earlier) are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability, leaving systems running these versions at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability necessitates user interaction, where a victim unknowingly opens a malicious file triggering the out-of-bounds read issue that could lead to information disclosure.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-44356, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended to ensure system safety.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Adobe Acrobat Reader to the latest version to patch the vulnerability. Additionally, exercising caution when opening files from unknown or untrusted sources can help prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as regular software updates, security training for users, and enhancing file validation processes, can enhance the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates to address CVE-2023-44356. Users are encouraged to apply the latest patches promptly to safeguard their systems from potential exploitation.