CVE-2019-8028
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Users who open malicious PDF files with vulnerable versions are at risk. The vulnerability affects multiple versions across different release tracks.
💻 Affected Systems
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- Adobe Acrobat 2017
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017
- Adobe Acrobat 2015
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 2015
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining full control of the victim's computer, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within networks.
Likely Case
Malicious PDF files delivered via phishing emails or compromised websites lead to remote code execution on individual workstations, enabling data exfiltration or credential theft.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and security controls, impact is limited to isolated incidents that can be contained through endpoint detection and response systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening a malicious PDF) but no authentication. Use-after-free vulnerabilities in PDF readers are commonly exploited in the wild.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Acrobat DC/Reader DC: 2019.012.20036 and later; Acrobat 2017/Reader 2017: 2017.011.30144 and later; Acrobat 2015/Reader 2015: 2015.006.30499 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb19-41.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat or Reader. 2. Go to Help > Check for Updates. 3. Follow prompts to download and install available updates. 4. Restart the application when prompted. 5. Verify update by checking Help > About Adobe Acrobat/Reader.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader
allPrevents exploitation vectors that rely on JavaScript execution within PDF files
Edit > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable Acrobat JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allOpen PDF files in Protected View mode to prevent automatic execution of malicious content
File > Properties > Security > Enable Protected View for all files from potentially unsafe locations
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Block PDF files at email gateways and web proxies
- Use application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized processes from Adobe Reader
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Adobe Acrobat/Reader version via Help > About Adobe Acrobat/Reader and compare against affected version rangesCheck Version:
On Windows: wmic product where "name like 'Adobe Acrobat%' or name like 'Adobe Reader%'" get name, versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is equal to or higher than patched versions: DC/Reader DC: 2019.012.20036+, 2017: 2017.011.30144+, 2015: 2015.006.30499+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Adobe Acrobat/Reader crash logs with memory access violations
- Windows Event Logs showing unexpected process creation from AcroRd32.exe or Acrobat.exe
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from Adobe Reader processes to suspicious IPs
- DNS requests for known exploit domains from workstations with Adobe Reader
SIEM Query:
process_name:("AcroRd32.exe" OR "Acrobat.exe") AND (event_id:1000 OR event_id:1001) AND description:"access violation"