CVE-2022-27791
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC that occurs when processing malicious font data in PDF files. If exploited, it could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the current user. The vulnerability affects users who open specially crafted PDF documents.
💻 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 via arbitrary code execution leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, or persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Malware installation or credential theft when users open malicious PDFs from phishing emails or compromised websites.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper endpoint protection, application sandboxing, and user awareness training are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening malicious PDF). No public exploit code available at disclosure.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 22.001.20085 (Continuous Track), 20.005.30314 (Classic 2020 Track), 17.012.30206 (Classic 2017 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 latest version. 4. Restart computer after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader
allPrevents some exploitation vectors by disabling JavaScript execution in PDF files
Edit > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable Acrobat JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allOpen untrusted PDFs in Protected View mode to limit potential damage
File > Open > Select 'Protected View' option when opening untrusted files
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement application whitelisting to block unauthorized PDF readers
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to monitor for suspicious PDF processing
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Adobe Reader version in Help > About Adobe Acrobat Reader DCCheck Version:
Windows: wmic product where name="Adobe Acrobat Reader DC" get version
macOS: /Applications/Adobe\ Acrobat\ Reader\ DC.app/Contents/Info.plist | grep -A1 CFBundleShortVersionStringVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 22.001.20085 or higher (Continuous), 20.005.30314 or higher (Classic 2020), or 17.012.30206 or higher (Classic 2017)📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Adobe Reader crash logs with suspicious font processing
- Windows Event Logs showing unexpected process creation from AcroRd32.exe
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Adobe Reader process
- PDF downloads from suspicious sources
SIEM Query:
process_name:"AcroRd32.exe" AND (event_type:"Process Creation" OR event_type:"Crash")