CVE-2007-5659
Adobe Acrobat and Reader Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2007-5659 is a buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a PDF file containing long arguments to unspecified JavaScript methods. The flaw occurs when Acrobat's JavaScript interpreter processes crafted PDF documents with excessively long string parameters, causing a buffer overflow that enables code execution in the context of the application. CISA has added CVE-2007-5659 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, and with an EPSS score of 93.2% (99th percentile), this vulnerability has one of the highest exploitation probabilities of any known vulnerability.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| adobe | acrobat | < 8.1.2 |
| adobe | acrobat reader | < 8.1.2 |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
- http://labs.idefense.com/intelligence/vulnerabilities/display.php?id=657(Broken Link)
- http://secunia.com/advisories/29065(Broken Link)
- http://secunia.com/advisories/29205(Broken Link)
- http://secunia.com/advisories/30840(Broken Link)
- http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-200803-01.xml(Third Party Advisory)
- http://sunsolve.sun.com/search/document.do?assetkey=1-26-239286-1(Broken Link)
- http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa08-01.html(Vendor Advisory)
- http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb08-13.html(Vendor Advisory)
- http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/666281(Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource)
- http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2008-0144.html(Broken Link)
- http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/techalerts/TA08-043A.html(Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource)
- http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2008/1966/references(Broken Link)
- https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A9813(Broken Link)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2007-5659(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-120: Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow')
CVE-2007-5659 exploits a classic buffer overflow in Adobe Acrobat and Reader's JavaScript method handling, where the application processes string arguments from PDF-embedded JavaScript without verifying that the input length does not exceed the target buffer capacity. This allows excessively long arguments to overflow fixed-size buffers and overwrite adjacent memory.
Learn more: CWE-120 — Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow')
Impact Analysis
CVE-2007-5659 is remotely exploitable through a crafted PDF document — an attacker needs only to deliver a malicious PDF with embedded JavaScript to the victim via email, web download, or file sharing. No authentication is required, and user interaction is limited to opening the PDF. Successful exploitation results in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the Adobe Acrobat or Reader process, placing confidentiality, integrity, and availability at full risk. An attacker can install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, deploy ransomware, or use the compromised system for lateral movement within an organization's network. The EPSS score of 93.2% (99th percentile) indicates near-certain exploitation, making this one of the most dangerous PDF-based vulnerabilities ever discovered.
Exploit Maturity
CISA has confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2007-5659 in the wild by adding it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on June 8, 2022. The EPSS score of 93.2% places this vulnerability in the 99th percentile, indicating near-certain exploitation activity. CVE-2007-5659 was one of the most widely exploited Adobe Reader vulnerabilities, with multiple exploit variants in active use across exploit kits and targeted attack campaigns. The JavaScript-based trigger mechanism made exploitation highly reliable, and public exploit code was widely available. No specific ransomware association has been reported, but the reliable remote code execution capability made it a staple in diverse malware distribution campaigns.
Remediation
- Apply Adobe security updates immediately: Install the latest patches for Adobe Acrobat and Reader as directed by the CISA KEV required action to address the JavaScript method buffer overflow.
- Upgrade to a current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC: Ensure all systems run a supported version with JavaScript sandboxing, Protected Mode, and modern memory protection features.
- Disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader: Configure Adobe Reader preferences to disable JavaScript execution in PDF documents, which eliminates the JavaScript-based attack vector entirely.
- Enable Protected Mode sandboxing: Activate Adobe Reader's Protected Mode to isolate the rendering process and contain exploitation within the sandbox.
- Deploy PDF content inspection at all network boundaries: Implement deep inspection of PDF files at email gateways and web proxies, scanning for known CVE-2007-5659 signatures and suspicious JavaScript with long string arguments.
Technical Details
CVE-2007-5659 is a buffer overflow vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader's JavaScript interpreter, triggered when unspecified JavaScript methods within a PDF document receive arguments with excessively long string values. The JavaScript engine passes these string arguments to native code functions that copy the data into fixed-size stack or heap buffers without proper bounds checking, resulting in a classic buffer overflow classified under CWE-120. The overflow overwrites adjacent memory including return addresses or function pointers, enabling the attacker to redirect execution to shellcode embedded within the PDF or reached via ROP chains. The JavaScript context provides the attacker with significant control over the exploitation process, as heap layouts can be precisely manipulated through JavaScript memory operations before triggering the overflow. Multiple JavaScript methods in Adobe Reader were found to be vulnerable to this class of attack, making the vulnerability particularly impactful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2007-5659 being actively exploited?
Yes. CISA has confirmed active exploitation by adding CVE-2007-5659 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog. The EPSS score of 93.2% in the 99th percentile indicates near-certain exploitation. This vulnerability was one of the most widely exploited Adobe Reader flaws, with multiple exploit variants in public circulation.
What products are affected by CVE-2007-5659?
CVE-2007-5659 affects Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Reader, specifically the JavaScript interpreter component. Multiple versions of both products are vulnerable. Users should update to the latest supported version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
How do I fix CVE-2007-5659?
Update Adobe Acrobat and Reader to the latest patched version. Disable JavaScript in Adobe Reader preferences to eliminate the attack vector, and enable Protected Mode sandboxing.
How severe is CVE-2007-5659?
CVE-2007-5659 is among the most severe PDF vulnerabilities ever discovered, with an EPSS score in the 99th percentile. The JavaScript-triggered buffer overflow enables highly reliable remote code execution through malicious PDF documents. The widespread availability of exploit code and the ubiquity of PDF in business workflows make this vulnerability exceptionally dangerous.
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