CVE-2020-9614
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass security features in Adobe Acrobat and Reader. It affects users running outdated versions of these PDF applications. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to circumvent security protections.
💻 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
Attackers could bypass critical security features to execute malicious code or access restricted content without detection.
Likely Case
Attackers bypass security controls to open malicious PDFs or access protected content they shouldn't be able to view.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and security controls, the vulnerability is neutralized and security features function as intended.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening a malicious PDF). No public exploit code was available at disclosure.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Acrobat DC/Reader DC: 2020.009.20063 or later; Acrobat/Reader 2017: 2017.011.30173 or later; Acrobat/Reader 2015: 2015.006.30523 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb20-24.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat or Reader. 2. Go to Help > Check for Updates. 3. Follow prompts to install available updates. 4. Restart the application when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader
allDisabling JavaScript can prevent some exploitation vectors, though it may break legitimate PDF functionality.
Edit > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable Acrobat JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allConfigure Adobe Reader to open all PDFs in Protected View mode to limit potential damage.
Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced) > Check 'Enable Protected View at startup' and 'Enable Enhanced Security'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict PDF file execution through application whitelisting or execution policies
- Implement email filtering to block suspicious PDF attachments and sandbox PDF analysis
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Adobe Acrobat/Reader version: Help > About Adobe Acrobat/Reader. Compare version numbers against affected ranges.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic product where "name like 'Adobe Acrobat%' or name like 'Adobe Reader%'" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is updated to patched versions: Acrobat DC/Reader DC: 2020.009.20063+, Acrobat/Reader 2017: 2017.011.30173+, Acrobat/Reader 2015: 2015.006.30523+📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected process crashes of Acrobat/Reader
- Security feature disablement events in application logs
- Multiple failed attempts to access protected PDF content
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Acrobat/Reader processes
- Downloads of PDF files from suspicious sources
SIEM Query:
EventID=1 AND (Image LIKE '%AcroRd32.exe%' OR Image LIKE '%Acrobat.exe%') AND CommandLine LIKE '%.pdf%'