CVE-2017-16373 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability has been found in Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2017.012.20098 and earlier, 2017.011.30066 and earlier, 2015.006.30355 and earlier, and 11.0.22 and earlier, leading to untrusted pointer dereference and potential data exposure.

Understanding CVE-2017-16373

This CVE identifies a critical vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader that could allow attackers to access sensitive data through an untrusted pointer dereference.

What is CVE-2017-16373?

CVE-2017-16373 is a security flaw in Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions that enables attackers to manipulate input, causing pointers to reference memory locations outside the intended process address space. Exploiting this vulnerability could result in the disclosure of confidential information.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16373

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the affected Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16373

Adobe Acrobat and Reader are affected by an untrusted pointer dereference vulnerability, leading to potential data exposure.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from an untrusted pointer dereference in Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions, enabling attackers to read sensitive data by manipulating input to point to unauthorized memory locations.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions
Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions
Adobe Acrobat Reader 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions
Adobe Acrobat Reader 11.0.22 and earlier versions

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting input to manipulate pointers, causing them to reference memory locations beyond the designated process address space, leading to potential data exposure.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2017-16373.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Adobe Acrobat and Reader to the latest patched versions
Monitor for any unusual activities or data access
Implement access controls to restrict unauthorized access to sensitive information

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and security patches
Conduct security training to educate users on identifying and reporting suspicious activities
Implement network segmentation to contain potential breaches

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates to address CVE-2017-16373. It is essential to promptly apply these patches to secure systems and prevent potential data breaches.