OCS ADVISORY NUMBER:
2013-018

DATE(S) ISSUED:
2/14/2013

SUBJECT:
Multiple Vulnerabilities in Adobe Reader and Acrobat Could Allow For Remote Code Execution (APSA13-02)

OVERVIEW:

Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in Adobe Reader and Adobe Acrobat that could allow an attacker to take control of the affected system. Adobe Reader allows users to view Portable Document Format (PDF) files, while Adobe Acrobat offers users additional features such as the ability to create PDF files. Successful exploitation could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Failed exploit attempts will likely cause denial-of-service conditions.

Please note that there is no patch available from Adobe to mitigate these vulnerabilities at this time.  It should be noted that these vulnerabilities are being exploited with attacks designed to trick Windows users into clicking on a specially crafted PDF file delivered in an e-mail message. Adobe is in the process of working on fixes for these issues.

SYSTEMS AFFECTED:

• Adobe Acrobat and Reader XI (11.0.01 and earlier) for Windows and Macintosh
• Adobe Acrobat and Reader X (10.1.5 and earlier) for Windows and Macintosh
• Adobe Reader 9.5.3 and earlier 9.x versions for Windows, Macintosh and Linux
• Adobe Acrobat 9.5.3 and earlier 9.x versions for Windows and Macintosh

RISK:
Government:

• Large and medium government entities: High
• Small government entities: High

Businesses:

• Large and medium business entities: High
• Small business entities: High

Home users: High

DESCRIPTION:
Adobe Reader and Acrobat are prone to multiple vulnerabilities that could allow for remote code execution. Details of these vulnerabilities are as follows:

• Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities that could lead to code execution (CVE-2013-0640, CVE-2013-0641).

Successful exploitation could result in an attacker gaining the same privileges as the logged on user. Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Failed exploit attempts will likely cause denial-of-service conditions.

Please note that there is no patch available from Adobe to mitigate these vulnerabilities at this time.  It should be noted that these vulnerabilities are being exploited with attacks designed to trick Windows users into clicking on a specially crafted PDF file delivered in an e-mail message. Adobe is in the process of working on fixes for these issues.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:

• Consider installing and running Adobe Reader in Protected View mode.
• Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
• Remind users not to visit untrusted websites or follow links provided by unknown or untrusted sources.
• Remind users not to open e-mail attachments from unknown users or suspicious e-mails from trusted sources.

REFERENCES:
Adobe:
http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa13-02.html

SecurityFocus:
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/57931
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/57947

CVE:
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2013-0640
http://www.cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2013-0641