Adobe Releases Out-of-Band Security Bulletin for Adobe Acrobat and Reader (APSB19-02)
Adobe issued an out-of-band security bulletin which addresses two critical vulnerabilities (CVE-2018-16011, CVE-2018-16018) in Adobe Acrobat and Reader.
Background
On January 3, Adobe released a security bulletin to address two critical vulnerabilities in Adobe Acrobat and Reader for both Windows and macOS. Adobe published a prenotification for this bulletin on December 27 to give users advance warning.
Vulnerability details
The security bulletin addresses two critical vulnerabilities. The first, CVE-2018-16011, is a use after free vulnerability that could lead to arbitrary code execution. CVE-2018-16018 is a security bypass vulnerability that could allow an attacker to elevate privileges. An attacker could create and deliver a specially crafted PDF file to a vulnerable target in order to exploit these vulnerabilities. Adobe hasn’t provided any additional details about these vulnerabilities, including whether or not they have been observed in attacks in the wild.
Tenable’s Security Response Team observed that both of the CVEs listed in APSB19-02 were initially included as part of APSB18-41, Adobe’s monthly security bulletin from December 2018. However, both CVEs were removed on or before December 20, according to the last revision date in the bulletin. Additionally, Adobe revised APSB19-02 to include CVE-2018-16018 in place of the previously listed CVE-2018-19725.
Urgently required actions
Adobe has released updated versions of Adobe Acrobat DC, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, Acrobat 2017 and Acrobat Reader DC 2017 that address these vulnerabilities. End users and IT administrators are encouraged to upgrade to these patched versions as soon as possible.
Identifying affected systems
Tenable’s plugins for APSB18-41 will be updated to reflect Adobe’s revised bulletin. Once updated, the following list of Nessus plugins to identify these specific vulnerabilities will appear here as they’re released.
Get more information
- Security Bulletin for Adobe Acrobat and Reader | APSB19-02
- Security Bulletin for Adobe Acrobat and Reader | APSB18-41
Learn more about Tenable, the first Cyber Exposure platform for holistic management of your modern attack surface. Get a free 60-day trial of Tenable.io Vulnerability Management.
Related Articles
Volt Typhoon: U.S. Critical Infrastructure Targeted by State-Sponsored Actors
November 19, 2024Volt Typhoon, a state-sponsored actor linked to the People’s Republic of China, has consistently targeted U.S. critical infrastructure with the intent to maintain persistent access. Tenable Research examines the tactics, techniques and procedures of this threat actor.
CVE-2024-0012, CVE-2024-9474: Zero-Day Vulnerabilities in Palo Alto PAN-OS Exploited In The Wild
November 18, 2024Palo Alto Networks confirmed two zero-day vulnerabilities were exploited as part of attacks in the wild against PAN-OS devices, with one being attributed to Operation Lunar Peek.
Microsoft’s November 2024 Patch Tuesday Addresses 87 CVEs (CVE-2024-43451, CVE-2024-49039)
November 12, 2024Microsoft addresses 87 CVEs and one advisory (ADV240001) in its November 2024 Patch Tuesday release, with four critical vulnerabilities and four zero-day vulnerabilities, including two that were exploited in the wild.
Active Directory Under Attack: Five Eyes Guidance Targets Crucial Security Gaps
November 21, 2024A landmark global report from cybersecurity agencies emphasizes 17 attack techniques against Microsoft Active Directory and cautions organizations to step up protections. In the first of our two-part series, we offer five steps you can take today to shore up your AD defenses.
Five Cyber Agencies Sound Alarm About Active Directory Attacks: Beyond the Basics
November 21, 2024A landmark global report emphasizes 17 attack techniques against Microsoft Active Directory and cautions organizations to step up protections. In the second of our two-part series, we take you beyond the basics to highlight three key areas to focus on.
Volt Typhoon: What State and Local Government Officials Need to Know
November 19, 2024Increased activity from the state-sponsored threat group Volt Typhoon raises concerns about the cybersecurity of U.S. critical infrastructure. Here’s how you can identify potential exposures and attack paths.
- Vulnerability Management
- Vulnerability Scanning