CVE-2022-27796 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.20085 and earlier, 20.005.3031x and earlier, and 17.012.30205 and earlier are affected by a use-after-free vulnerability, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. This article provides an in-depth analysis of CVE-2022-27796 and how to mitigate the risk.

Understanding CVE-2022-27796

CVE-2022-27796 is a use-after-free vulnerability affecting Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions.

What is CVE-2022-27796?

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC versions 22.001.20085, 20.005.3031x, and 17.012.30205 are vulnerable to a use-after-free flaw in the processing of the acroform event. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the current user.

The Impact of CVE-2022-27796

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a CVSS base score of 7.8. Successful exploitation could result in arbitrary code execution, posing a significant risk to affected systems' confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-27796

This section provides more technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2022-27796 is classified as a Use After Free (CWE-416) vulnerability. It occurs in the processing of the acroform event within Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

Affected Systems and Versions

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

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2022-27796 requires user interaction, as a victim must open a malicious file to trigger the use-after-free condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect systems from CVE-2022-27796, follow the mitigation strategies outlined below.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to the latest patched version.
Avoid opening files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and operating systems to patch known vulnerabilities.
Educate users about safe browsing practices and file handling procedures.

Patching and Updates

Adobe has released security patches to address CVE-2022-27796. It is crucial to apply these updates promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.