CVE-2020-9700
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. Users of vulnerable Adobe PDF software versions are at risk when opening malicious PDF files. 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 affected system, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Malicious PDF files delivered via phishing or compromised websites lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal credentials, or establish persistence.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and security controls, the risk is limited to isolated incidents that can be contained through endpoint detection and response systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction to open a malicious PDF file. No public exploit code was available at the time of the advisory.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Acrobat DC/Reader DC: 2020.009.20075 or later; Acrobat 2017/Reader 2017: 2017.011.30172 or later; Acrobat 2015/Reader 2015: 2015.006.30524 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb20-48.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat or Reader. 2. Go to Help > Check for Updates. 3. Follow the prompts to download and install available updates. 4. Restart the application when prompted. 5. Verify the update by checking Help > About Adobe Acrobat/Reader.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader
allDisabling JavaScript reduces attack surface and may prevent exploitation of some PDF-based vulnerabilities
Edit > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable Acrobat JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allEnable Protected View for files from potentially unsafe locations
Edit > Preferences > Security (Enhanced) > Enable Protected View at startup
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to block execution of unauthorized code
- Use network segmentation to isolate PDF processing systems from critical assets
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Adobe Acrobat/Reader version against affected version ranges in the advisoryCheck Version:
Help > About Adobe Acrobat/Reader (Windows/macOS GUI)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the installed version is equal to or higher than the patched versions listed in the advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected process creation from Adobe Reader/Acrobat
- Crash reports from Adobe applications
- Unusual network connections originating from PDF reader processes
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from PDF reader to suspicious IPs
- DNS requests for known malicious domains from systems running Adobe software
SIEM Query:
process_name:"AcroRd32.exe" OR process_name:"Acrobat.exe" AND (parent_process:explorer.exe OR cmd.exe OR powershell.exe)