MS-ISAC ADVISORY NUMBER:
2012-023

DATE(S) ISSUED:
04/10/2012

SUBJECT:
Multiple Vulnerabilities in Adobe Reader and Acrobat Could Allow For Remote Code Execution (APSB12-08)

OVERVIEW:

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Adobe Reader and Acrobat that could allow an attacker to take control of the affected system. Adobe Reader allows users to view Portable Document Format (PDF) files, while Adobe Acrobat offers users additional features such as the ability to create PDF files. Successful exploitation could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as thelogged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Failed exploit attempts will likely cause denial-of-service conditions.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

  • Adobe Reader X (10.1.2) and earlier 10.x versions for Windows and Macintosh
  • Adobe Reader 9.5 and earlier 9.x versions for Windows and Macintosh
  • Adobe Reader 9.4.6 and earlier 9.x versions for Linux
  • Adobe Acrobat X (10.1.2) and earlier 10.x versions for Windows and Macintosh
  • Adobe Acrobat 9.5 and earlier 9.x versions for Windows and Macintosh

RISK:

Government:

  • Large and medium government entities: High
  • Small government entities: High

Businesses:

  • Large and medium business entities: High
  • Small business entities: High

Home users: High

DESCRIPTION:

Adobe Reader and Acrobat are prone to multiple vulnerabilities that could allow for remote code execution. Details of these vulnerabilities are as follows:

  • Adobe Acrobat and Reader are prone to an unspecified integer-overflow vulnerability during True Type Font (TTF) handling. (CVE-2012-0774)
  • Adobe Acrobat and Reader are prone to an unspecified memory corruption vulnerability during JavaScript handling. (CVE-2012-0775)
  • Adobe Reader is prone to an unspecified security bypass vulnerability via the installer that could lead to code execution. (CVE-2012-0776)
  • Adobe Acrobat and Reader are prone to an unspecified memory corruption vulnerability in the JavaScript API. (CVE-2012-0777)

Successful exploitation could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Failed exploit attempts will likely cause denial-of-service conditions.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

  • Install the updates provided by Adobe immediately after appropriate testing.
  • Consider installing and running Adobe Reader X in Protected Mode.
  • Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
  • Remind users not to visit untrusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.
  • Do not open email attachments from unknown or untrusted sources.

REFERENCES:

Adobe:
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb12-08.html

Security Focus:
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/52949
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/52950
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/52951
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/52952

CVE:
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2012-0774
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2012-0775
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2012-0776
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2012-0777