CVE-2019-8213
📋 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 through arbitrary code execution, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Malicious PDF files delivered via phishing or compromised websites lead to system compromise of individual workstations.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and security controls, impact is limited to isolated incidents that can be contained through endpoint detection and response.
🎯 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: 2019.012.20056 or later; Acrobat 2017: 2017.011.30156 or later; Acrobat 2015: 2015.006.30511 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb19-49.html
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat or Reader. 2. Go to Help > Check for Updates. 3. Follow prompts to install available updates. 4. Alternatively, download and install the latest version from Adobe's website.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader
allDisables JavaScript execution which may prevent some exploitation vectors
Edit > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable Acrobat JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allForces PDFs to open in protected mode, limiting potential damage
Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced) > Enable Protected View at startup
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Block PDF files at network perimeter and email gateways
- Use application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized PDF readers
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Adobe Acrobat/Reader version via Help > About Adobe Acrobat/Reader and compare with affected versionsCheck Version:
On Windows: wmic product where "name like 'Adobe Acrobat%'" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 2019.012.20056 or later (DC), 2017.011.30156 or later (2017), or 2015.006.30511 or later (2015)📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Adobe crash reports with memory access violations
- Windows Event Logs showing AcroRd32.exe crashes
- Unexpected child processes spawned from AcroRd32.exe
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from AcroRd32.exe to suspicious IPs
- DNS requests for known exploit domains after PDF opening
SIEM Query:
process_name:"AcroRd32.exe" AND (event_id:1000 OR event_id:1001) AND description:"ACCESS_VIOLATION"