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CSIRTUK advisories

3902 - Adobe Reader and Acrobat Vulnerabilities

ID: 3902
Date: 14/10/2009

Title: 3902 - Adobe Reader and Acrobat Vulnerabilities
Platform level affected:Operating System
Specific operating systems components affected: 32-bit Windows
Remediation Summary:Update your copy of the software with the download available from the supplier.
Vendors affected:Adobe
Applications affected:Reader and Acrobat
Adversity source: Unknown
Attack Vector: Vulnerability exploitation
Virulence: Unknown
Warning Status: Active
Potential Damage: Remote execution/modification
Possible Duration: Open Ended
Availability of fix: Available
Type of fix: Patch
Source: US-CERT, Adobe
Reliability of source: Trusted
Source URL: http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-15.html
Abstract: Adobe has released Security bulletin APSB09-15, which describes multiple vulnerabilities affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat.

National Cyber Alert System

Technical Cyber Security Alert TA09-286B

Adobe Reader and Acrobat Vulnerabilities

   Original release date:
   Last revised: --
   Source: US-CERT

Systems Affected

     * Adobe Reader and Acrobat 9.1.3 and earlier 9.x versions
     * Adobe Reader and Acrobat 8.1.6 and earlier 8.x versions
     * Adobe Reader and Acrobat 7.1.3 and earlier 7.x versions

Overview

Adobe has released Security bulletin APSB09-15, which describes
multiple vulnerabilities affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat.

I. Description

   Adobe Security Advisory APSB09-15 describes a number of
   vulnerabilities affecting Adobe Reader and Acrobat. These
   vulnerabilities affect Reader 9.1.3 and earlier 9.x versions,
   8.1.6 and earlier 8.x versions, and 7.1.3 and earlier 7.x versions.

   An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by convincing a
   user to open a specially crafted PDF file. The Adobe Reader browser
   plug-in is available for multiple Web browsers and operating
   systems, which can automatically open PDF documents hosted on a Web
   site.

   These vulnerabilities are being actively exploited.

II. Impact

   These vulnerabilities allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary
   code, write arbitrary files or folders to the filesystem, escalate
   local privileges, or cause a denial of service on an affected
   system as the result of a user opening a malicious PDF document.

III. Solution

   Update

   Adobe has released updates to address this issue. Users are
   encouraged to read Adobe Security Bulletin APSB09-15 and update
   vulnerable versions of Adobe Reader and Acrobat.

   Enable Data Execution Prevention (DEP) in Microsoft Windows

   Consider enabling Data Execution Prevention (DEP) in supported
   versions of Windows. DEP should not be treated as a complete
   workaround, but DEP can mitigate the execution of attacker-supplied
   code in some cases. Microsoft has published detailed technical
   information about DEP in Security Research & Defense blog posts
   "Understanding DEP as a mitigation technology" part 1 and part 2.
   Use of DEP should be considered in conjunction with the application
   of patches or other mitigations described in this document.

   Disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader and Acrobat

   Disabling JavaScript may prevent some exploits from resulting in
   code execution. Acrobat JavaScript can be disabled using the
   Preferences menu (Edit -> Preferences -> JavaScript; un-check
   Enable Acrobat JavaScript).

   Prevent Internet Explorer from automatically opening PDF documents

   The installer for Adobe Reader and Acrobat configures Internet
   Explorer to automatically open PDF files without any user
   interaction. This behavior can be reverted to a safer option that
   prompts the user by importing the following as a .REG file:

   Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

   [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\AcroExch.Document.7]
   "EditFlags"=hex:00,00,00,00

   Disable the display of PDF documents in the Web browser

   Preventing PDF documents from opening inside a Web browser will
   partially mitigate this vulnerability. If this workaround is
   applied it may also mitigate future vulnerabilities.

   To prevent PDF documents from automatically being opened in a Web
   browser, do the following:

   1. Open Adobe Acrobat Reader.
   2. Open the Edit menu.
   3. Choose the preferences option.
   4. Choose the Internet section.
   5. Un-check the "Display PDF in browser" check box.

   Do not access PDF documents from untrusted sources

   Do not open unfamiliar or unexpected PDF documents, particularly
   those hosted on Web sites or delivered as email attachments. Please
   see Cyber Security Tip ST04-010.

IV. References

* APSB09-15 Security Advisory for Adobe Reader and Acrobat -
<http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb09-15.html>

* Understanding DEP as a mitigation technology part 1 -
<http://blogs.technet.com/srd/archive/2009/06/05/understanding-dep-as-a-mitigation-technology-part-1.aspx>

* Understanding DEP as a mitigation technology part 2 -
<http://blogs.technet.com/srd/archive/2009/06/12/understanding-dep-as-a-mitigation-technology-part-2.aspx>

____________________________________________________________________

The most recent version of this document can be found at:

<http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA09-286B.html>
____________________________________________________________________

   Feedback can be directed to US-CERT Technical Staff. Please send
   email to <cert@cert.org> with "TA09-286B Feedback VU#257117" in
   the subject.
____________________________________________________________________

For instructions on subscribing to or unsubscribing from this
mailing list, visit <http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/signup.html>.
____________________________________________________________________

Produced 2009 by US-CERT, a government organization.

<http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html>
____________________________________________________________________

Revision History

October 13, 2009: Initial release

This advisory contains information released by the original author. Some of the information may have changed since it was released. If the issue affects you, it may be prudent to retrieve the advisory from the site of the original source to ensure that you receive the most current information concerning that problem. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by CPNI.

The views and opinions of authors expressed within this notice shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. CPNI shall not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions contained within this advisory. In particular, they shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever, arising from or in connection with the usage of information contained within this advisory.

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