Acrobat Reader: Access of Uninitialized Pointer
CVE-2022-27794 is a high-severity access of uninitialized pointer vulnerability in Acrobat Reader from Adobe, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected Acrobat Reader versions: 22.001.20085 and earlier; 20.005.3031x and earlier; 17.012.30205 and earlier. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 14.3% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 3.35% of all scored CVEs.
EPSS places it among the vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited soon.
What to do
- Check which version of Acrobat Reader you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on helpx.adobe.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- 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 | 22.001.20085 and earlier; 20.005.3031x and earlier; 17.012.30205 and earlier | Not stated |
| Adobe | Acrobat Dc | 15.008.20082 through 22.001.20085 | Not stated |
| Adobe | Acrobat Reader Dc | 15.008.20082 through 22.001.20085 | Not stated |
| Adobe | Acrobat | 17.011.30059 through 17.012.30205; 20.001.30005 through 20.005.30314; 20.001.30005 through 20.005.30311 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- 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:L/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 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.0 | 7.8 | High | CNA (adobe.com) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 9.3 | High | NVD |
Official description
Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.20085 (and earlier), 20.005.3031x (and earlier) and 17.012.30205 (and earlier) is affected by the use of a variable that has not been initialized when processing of embedded fonts, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction in that a victim must open a crafted .pdf file
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Access of Uninitialized Pointer
The product accesses or uses a pointer that has not been initialized.
More Access of Uninitialized Pointer vulnerabilities (CWE-824)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
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
Recent Access of Uninitialized Pointer vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.3 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
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