CVE-2017-2966 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 15.020.20042 and earlier, 15.006.30244 and earlier, 11.0.18 and earlier have a critical heap overflow vulnerability that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

Understanding CVE-2017-2966

A detailed overview of the heap overflow vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat Reader.

What is CVE-2017-2966?

CVE-2017-2966 is a heap overflow vulnerability found in Adobe Acrobat Reader versions 15.020.20042 and earlier, 15.006.30244 and earlier, and 11.0.18 and earlier. The vulnerability is related to the image conversion engine and occurs when parsing corrupted TIFF segments.

The Impact of CVE-2017-2966

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability has the potential to allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, posing a significant security risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-2966

Insight into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is a heap overflow issue in the image conversion engine of Adobe Acrobat Reader. It arises from parsing malformed TIFF segments, leading to a critical security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader 15.020.20042 and earlier
Adobe Acrobat Reader 15.006.30244 and earlier
Adobe Acrobat Reader 11.0.18 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting a malicious TIFF file and tricking a user into opening it, triggering the heap overflow and potentially executing arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Best practices to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2017-2966.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Adobe Acrobat Reader to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid opening or downloading suspicious TIFF files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to ensure the latest security patches are in place.
Educate users about the risks of opening files from unknown or unverified sources.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates to address CVE-2017-2966. It is crucial to apply these patches promptly to protect systems from potential exploitation.