CVE-2022-27794 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Font Parsing Uninitialized Variable Remote Code Execution Vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the current user by exploiting an uninitialized variable during the processing of embedded fonts. This CVE was made public on April 12, 2022.

Understanding CVE-2022-27794

This section provides detailed insights into the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-27794?

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.20085 (and earlier), 20.005.3031x (and earlier), and 17.012.30205 (and earlier) are susceptible to this vulnerability, requiring user interaction through opening a crafted .pdf file for exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2022-27794

The vulnerability poses a high risk with a CVSS base score of 7.8, allowing attackers to achieve high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact without necessitating any privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-27794

This section elaborates on the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and how the exploitation mechanism works.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the use of an uninitialized variable in processing embedded fonts, enabling attackers to trigger arbitrary code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.20085 (and earlier), 20.005.3031x (and earlier), and 17.012.30205 (and earlier) are confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploitation of this vulnerability demands user interaction, necessitating the victim to open a maliciously crafted .pdf file.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines immediate steps to enhance security posture and long-term best practices for safeguarding against such vulnerabilities.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to the latest version and avoid opening unsolicited .pdf files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforcing regular software updates, employing robust antivirus solutions, and educating users on safe browsing habits can help mitigate the risk of such vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security updates to address this vulnerability. It is crucial to apply these patches promptly to safeguard systems from potential exploits.