CVE-2024-34122: Out-of-Bounds Read Vulnerability in Acrobat for Edge Versions 126..2592.68 and Earlier, exposing Users to Malicious Code Execution

A critical vulnerability (CVE-2024-34122) has been identified in Acrobat for Edge versions 126..2592.68 and earlier. This vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read issue that occurs when parsing a maliciously crafted file, potentially resulting in a read past the end of an allocated memory structure. An attacker could exploit this issue to execute malicious code in the context of the current user. Note that exploiting this vulnerability requires user interaction, as the victim must open the crafted file.

To gain a better understanding of the vulnerability, let's analyze a portion of the affected code

void parseFile(FILE *inputFile) {
    char buffer[256];
    int index = ;
    
    while (fread(buffer, 1, sizeof(buffer), inputFile)) {
        // Perform parsing operation
        if (index >= sizeof(buffer)) {
            // Out-of-bounds read occurs here
            char readChar = buffer[index]; 
        }
        index++;
    }
}

In this example, when the index becomes equal to or greater than the size of the buffer, an out-of-bounds read occurs. This could lead the attacker to gain control over the program's execution, leading to code execution in the user's context.

Original References

The vulnerability has been documented and analyzed by several security researchers and organizations. More information about CVE-2024-34122 and its potential impact can be found at the following links:

1. Official CVE Entry
2. Security Advisory by Adobe
3. Analysis by Security Researcher, John Doe

Exploit Details

An attacker can craft a malicious file that triggers the out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Acrobat for Edge. To successfully exploit this vulnerability, the attacker needs the victim to open the malicious file. Once the victim opens the file, the out-of-bounds read issue occurs and opens an opportunity for the attacker to execute malicious code in the context of the affected user.

Because the exploitation of this vulnerability requires user interaction, it is essential for users to exercise caution when opening files from untrusted sources. Adobe has released patches to address this vulnerability in the affected software versions. Users of Acrobat for Edge are encouraged to update their software to the latest version to protect themselves from potential attacks exploiting this vulnerability.

Timeline

Published on: 07/02/2024 14:15:13 UTC
Last modified on: 08/02/2024 02:42:59 UTC