CVE-2022-44518: Use-After-Free Vulnerability in Acrobat Reader DC Could Allow Arbitrary Code Execution

A serious use-after-free vulnerability has been discovered in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, which could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2022-44518, affects Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.20085 (and earlier), 20.005.3031x (and earlier), and 17.012.30205 (and earlier). In this article, we will discuss the technical details of the vulnerability, how it can be exploited, and what steps should be taken to mitigate the risks associated with this issue.

Vulnerability Details

A use-after-free vulnerability occurs when a program continues to use a memory location after it has been freed or deallocated. This can lead to several types of problems, including memory corruption, crashes, or even remote code execution if the attacker can control the contents of the freed memory. In the case of CVE-2022-44518, an attacker can trigger the vulnerability by crafting a malicious PDF file and tricking the victim into opening it with a vulnerable version of Acrobat Reader DC.

Exploitation Process

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would have to create a specially crafted PDF file containing malicious code and convince the victim to open it with a vulnerable version of Acrobat Reader DC. When the victim opens the malicious PDF, the code in the file would trigger the use-after-free vulnerability, resulting in arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user.

Here's a hypothetical code snippet to demonstrate the vulnerability

// Vulnerable function in Acrobat Reader DC
void vulnerable_function() {
  // Memory allocation
  char *buf = (char *) malloc(100);
  strncpy(buf, "Some data", 100);

  // Memory deallocation
  free(buf);

  // Use after free vulnerability
  strncpy(buf, "More data", 100);
}

Mitigation and Remediation

Adobe has already released security updates addressing CVE-2022-44518. Users should download and install the latest version of Acrobat Reader DC from the following links:

- Acrobat Reader DC 22.001.20085: Download the update
- Acrobat Reader DC 20.005.3031x: Download the update
- Acrobat Reader DC 17.012.30205: Download the update

Additionally, users should be cautious when opening PDF files from unknown sources. It is essential to keep software updated, and installing the latest security patches can significantly reduce the risk of being targeted by attackers.

Conclusion

CVE-2022-44518 is a critical vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader DC that could potentially lead to arbitrary code execution if left unpatched. By convincing a user to open a malicious PDF file, an attacker could gain control of the affected system. Adobe has provided updates to address the vulnerability and users are strongly encouraged to apply these updates as soon as possible.

For more information on this vulnerability, consult the following references

- Adobe Security Bulletin
- CVE-2022-44518 CVE Details
- National Vulnerability Database

Timeline

Published on: 12/19/2024 00:15:06 UTC