Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat Stack-Based Buffer Overflow
CVE-2009-0927 is a high-severity improper input validation vulnerability in Acrobat Reader from Adobe, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists versions 7.1.1, 8.1.3, 9.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating Acrobat Reader to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on March 25, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Acrobat Reader to 7.1.1 or 8.1.3 or 9.1, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on adobe.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe | Acrobat Reader | 7.0 up to, but not including, 7.1.1; 8.0 up to, but not including, 8.1.3; 9.0 up to, but not including, 9.1 | 7.1.1, 8.1.3, 9.1 |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 9.3 | High | NVD |
Official description
Stack-based buffer overflow in Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat 9 before 9.1, 8 before 8.1.3 , and 7 before 7.1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted argument to the getIcon method of a Collab object, a different vulnerability than CVE-2009-0658.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Input Validation
The product receives input or data, but it does not validate or incorrectly validates that the input has the properties that are required to process the data safely and correctly.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Consider using language-theoretic security (LangSec) techniques that characterize inputs using a formal language and build recognizers for that language. This effectively requires parsing to be a distinct layer that effectively enforces a boundary between raw input and internal data representations, instead of allowing parser code to be scattered throughout the program, where it could be subject to errors or inconsistencies that create weaknesses.
- Use an input validation framework such as Struts or the OWASP ESAPI Validation API. Note that using a framework does not automatically address all input validation problems; be mindful of weaknesses that could arise from misusing the framework itself (CWE-1173).
- Understand all the potential areas where untrusted inputs can enter the product, including but not limited to: parameters or arguments, cookies, anything read from the network, environment variables, reverse DNS lookups, query results, request headers, URL components, e-mail, files, filenames, databases, and any external systems that provide data to the application. Remember that such inputs may be obtained indirectly through API calls.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2009-03/msg00005.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
- lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2009-04/msg00010.htmlMailing List, Third Party Advisory
- secunia.com/advisories/34490Third Party Advisory
- secunia.com/advisories/34706Third Party Advisory
- secunia.com/advisories/34790Third Party Advisory
- security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200904-17.xmlThird Party Advisory
- exploit-db.com/exploits/9579Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- securityfocus.com/archive/1/502116/100/0/threadedThird Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- securityfocus.com/bid/34169Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- securitytracker.com/id?1021861Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/0770Third Party Advisory
- vupen.com/english/advisories/2009/1019Third Party Advisory
- zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-09-014Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/49312Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2009-0927US Government Resource
Other vulnerabilities in Acrobat Reader
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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