Adobe Acrobat Pro DC search Javascript Restrictions Bypass Vulnerability

December 12th, 2018
ZDI-18-1372 ZDI-CAN-6903

CVE ID

CVE-2018-16044

CVSS Score

4.2 AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L

Affected Vendors

Adobe

Affected Products

Acrobat Pro DC

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass Javascript API restrictions on vulnerable installations of Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

The specific flaw exists within the search object. By creating a specially crafted PDF with specific Javascript instructions, it is possible to bypass the Javascript API restrictions. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute code in the context of the current process.

Additional Details

Adobe has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb18-41.html

Disclosure Timeline

  • 2018-07-23 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2018-12-12 - Coordinated public release of advisory

Credit

Sebastian Apelt (@bitshifter123)

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