External risk intelligence

Adobe Acrobat Reader Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2020-9715

This vulnerability affects Adobe Acrobat and Reader, which are client-side desktop applications. They are typically used locally on individual workstations to view or edit documents and are not designed as internet-facing network services, gateways, or APIs.

Halo Surface Signal: 1 out of 5 — much less likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Adobe Acrobat and Reader contain a use-after-free vulnerability. This flaw allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a targeted system. The potential impact includes unauthorized code execution, which could compromise data confidentiality, integrity, and system availability.

  • Vulnerable Adobe Acrobat and Reader
  • Use-after-free vulnerability
  • Arbitrary code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can exploit a vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader to execute arbitrary code. This attack involves a user interacting with a specially crafted document. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to gain control over the affected system.

  • Local exposure required.
  • Attacker tricks user into opening file.
  • Arbitrary code execution results.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. Exploitation requires the attacker to trick a user into opening a specially crafted document. The potential for unauthorized code execution presents a significant business risk.

  • Low attacker skill level
  • User interaction required
  • High business risk, treat as urgent

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An organization should prioritize actions to address a significant vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader. This vulnerability can allow for the execution of arbitrary code, posing a substantial risk to affected systems and data. Addressing this requires a structured approach to identify, mitigate, and confirm the resolution of the exposure.

  • Find all affected Adobe Acrobat and Reader assets.
  • Reduce exposure by disabling certain features or isolating systems.
  • Apply vendor fixes, verify their implementation, and monitor for related activity.

Supplementary metadata

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Frequently asked questions

What type of software vulnerability exists in Adobe Acrobat and Reader?

Adobe Acrobat and Reader have a use-after-free vulnerability. This type of flaw occurs when a program continues to use memory after it has been freed, which can lead to instability and security risks.

How can an attacker exploit the Adobe Acrobat and Reader vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by tricking a user into opening a specially crafted document. Successful exploitation allows for arbitrary code execution, meaning an attacker could run their own code on the affected system.

What is the primary weakness class associated with CVE-2020-9715?

The primary weakness class associated with CVE-2020-9715 is CWE-416, which corresponds to a use-after-free vulnerability. This is a memory corruption issue where a program attempts to access memory after it has been deallocated.

What is the business relevance of the Adobe Acrobat and Reader vulnerability?

This vulnerability presents a high business risk due to the potential for arbitrary code execution. Exploitation requires user interaction, but successful attacks can lead to compromised confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data.

What steps should an organization take to address the Adobe Acrobat and Reader vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all affected Adobe Acrobat and Reader assets, reduce exposure by disabling features or isolating systems, and apply vendor-provided fixes. Verification of implementation and monitoring for related activity are also crucial steps.

References