CVE-2022-24102
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-24102 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC that could allow arbitrary code execution when a user opens a malicious PDF file. This affects users running vulnerable versions of Acrobat Reader DC on Windows, macOS, and potentially other platforms. Successful exploitation requires user interaction but could lead to full system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
📦 What is this software?
Acrobat by Adobe
Acrobat by Adobe
Acrobat by Adobe
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged-in user, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Malicious actor gains control of the victim's workstation through a phishing campaign with a malicious PDF attachment, leading to credential theft or malware installation.
If Mitigated
With proper patching and security controls, the vulnerability is eliminated; with workarounds, risk is reduced but not eliminated.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening malicious file). No public exploit code was available at disclosure time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Update to version 20.005.30334 or later for continuous track, or 17.012.30206 or later for classic track
Vendor Advisory: https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb22-16.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. 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
allPrevents JavaScript execution which may be used in exploitation chain
Edit > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable Acrobat JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allOpen PDFs in Protected View mode to limit potential damage
File > Open > Check 'Open in Protected View' or configure in Security settings
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict PDF file opening to trusted sources only
- Implement application whitelisting to block unauthorized executables
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Adobe Reader version via Help > About Adobe Acrobat Reader DCCheck Version:
On Windows: wmic product where name="Adobe Acrobat Reader DC" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 20.005.30334 or later (continuous) or 17.012.30206 or later (classic)📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Adobe Reader crash logs with memory access violations
- Unexpected child processes spawned from AcroRd32.exe
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from Adobe Reader to suspicious domains
- DNS requests for known exploit infrastructure
SIEM Query:
Process Creation where Parent Process Name contains "AcroRd32" and Command Line contains suspicious patterns