CVE-2024-49534
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader that could allow an attacker to read sensitive memory contents. When exploited, it could bypass security mitigations like ASLR, potentially leading to further exploitation. Users of affected Acrobat Reader versions who open malicious PDF files are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
📦 What is this software?
Acrobat by Adobe
Acrobat by Adobe
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker could leverage the memory disclosure to bypass ASLR and chain with another vulnerability to achieve remote code execution or sensitive data exfiltration.
Likely Case
Memory disclosure that reveals address space layout, making subsequent exploitation easier but not directly causing code execution.
If Mitigated
With proper controls, the impact is limited to information disclosure without direct system compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires user interaction (opening malicious PDF). The vulnerability alone provides information disclosure, not direct code execution.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Update to versions after those listed in affected versions
Vendor Advisory: https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb24-92.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader. 2. Go to Help > Check for Updates. 3. Follow prompts to install latest version. 4. Restart computer if required.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JavaScript in Acrobat Reader
allPrevents JavaScript-based exploitation vectors that might leverage this vulnerability
Edit > Preferences > JavaScript > Uncheck 'Enable Acrobat JavaScript'
Use Protected View
allOpen untrusted PDFs in Protected View to limit potential damage
File > Open > Select 'Protected View' option when opening files
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict PDF file opening to trusted sources only
- Implement application whitelisting to block unauthorized Acrobat Reader execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Acrobat Reader version against affected versions listCheck Version:
Help > About Adobe Acrobat Reader DCVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is updated beyond affected versions and restart application📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Acrobat Reader crash logs with memory access violations
- Unexpected process termination events
Network Indicators:
- PDF file downloads from untrusted sources
- Unusual outbound connections after PDF opening
SIEM Query:
source="acrobat" AND (event_type="crash" OR error="memory")