Acrobat Reader: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2023-38229 is a high-severity out-of-bounds read 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: 23.003.20244 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 3.14% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 88% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Acrobat Dc to 23.003.20269 or a later version.
- Update Acrobat Reader Dc to 23.003.20269 or a later version.
- Update Acrobat to 20.005.30514.10514 or a later version.
- 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 | 23.003.20244 and earlier | Not stated |
| Adobe | Acrobat Dc | 15.008.20082 up to, but not including, 23.003.20269 | 23.003.20269 |
| Adobe | Acrobat Reader Dc | 15.008.20082 up to, but not including, 23.003.20269 | 23.003.20269 |
| Adobe | Acrobat | 20.001.30005 through 20.005.30516.10516; 20.001.30005 up to, but not including, 20.005.30514.10514 | 20.005.30514.10514 |
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 | CNA (adobe.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 23.003.20244 (and earlier) and 20.005.30467 (and earlier) are affected by an out-of-bounds read vulnerability that could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation of this issue requires user interaction in that a victim must open a malicious file.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read
The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.
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
Advisories
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 Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 7.8 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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