CVE-2013-0641
Adobe Reader Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2013-0641 is a HIGH vulnerability in Adobe Reader, carrying a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8. A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Adobe Reader which allows an attacker to perform remote code execution. The flaw is classified under CWE-120 (Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow')). Exploitation typically occurs when a user opens a specially crafted PDF document delivered via email, web download, or file-sharing platforms, triggering the vulnerability in the document parsing engine. This CVE is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog with a remediation deadline of 2022-03-24. With an EPSS score of 0.87959 (99.48th percentile), this vulnerability exhibits substantial real-world exploitation activity.
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 | >= 9.0, < 9.5.4; >= 10.0, < 10.1.6; >= 11.0, < 11.0.02 |
| adobe | acrobat reader | >= 10.0, < 10.1.6; >= 11.0, < 11.0.02; >= 9.0, < 9.5.4 |
| redhat | enterprise linux desktop | 6.0 |
| redhat | enterprise linux eus | 5.9; 6.4 |
| redhat | enterprise linux server | 6.0 |
| redhat | enterprise linux server aus | 5.9; 6.4 |
| redhat | enterprise linux workstation | 6.0 |
| opensuse | opensuse | 11.4; 12.1 |
| suse | linux enterprise desktop | 10; 11 |
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://blog.fireeye.com/research/2013/02/in-turn-its-pdf-time.html(Broken Link)
- http://blogs.adobe.com/psirt/2013/02/adobe-reader-and-acrobat-vulnerability-report.html(Broken Link, Vendor Advisory)
- http://blogs.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/digging-into-the-sandbox-escape-technique-of-the-recent-pdf-exploit(Broken Link)
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2013-02/msg00021.html(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2013-02/msg00023.html(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2013-02/msg00024.html(Mailing List, Third Party Advisory)
- http://rhn.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2013-0551.html(Third Party Advisory)
- http://security.gentoo.org/glsa/glsa-201308-03.xml(Third Party Advisory)
- http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa13-02.html(Vendor Advisory)
- http://www.adobe.com/support/security/bulletins/apsb13-07.html(Broken Link)
- http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/422807(Third Party Advisory, US Government Resource)
- https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A16296(Broken Link)
- https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2013-0641(US Government Resource)
Weakness Type
CWE-120: Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow')
CVE-2013-0641 is classified under CWE-120 — Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input ('Classic Buffer Overflow'). Classic Buffer Overflow is a vulnerability that occurs when a program copies data to a buffer without first checking that the data fits within the buffer's allocated size. This typically happens when functions like strcpy(), gets(), sprintf(), or memcpy() are used without proper bounds checking. When the input data exceeds the buffer capacity, it overwrites adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting data, crashing the program, or enabling arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability class has been responsible for numerous high-profile security breaches and remains a critical concern in C/C++ applications despite decades of awareness.
In the context of Adobe Reader, this weakness class is particularly concerning because the product is widely deployed across enterprise and consumer environments. Buffer overflows are among the most dangerous vulnerabilities in software security. Attackers can exploit them to overwrite function return addresses, redirecting program execution to injected shellcode. Stack-based overflows enable reliable code execution through return-oriented programming (ROP) and other techniques that bypass modern protections like DEP/NX. Heap overflows can corrupt memory management structures for similar effect. Even with exploit mitigations, buffer overflows frequently cause denial of service through crashes. Critical systems written in C/C++ including operating systems, network services, and embedded devices remain at risk. The Morris Worm (1988), Code Red (2001), and Heartbleed (2014) all exploited buffer-related vulnerabilities. Organizations using affected versions should understand that this weakness class frequently enables reliable exploitation paths that threat actors actively leverage in both targeted and opportunistic attacks.
Impact Analysis
CVE-2013-0641 carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8 (HIGH) with the following impact characteristics.
Confidentiality (HIGH): An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains access to all data accessible by the affected component. In the context of Adobe Reader, this can include sensitive configuration data, user credentials, proprietary business information, and any data the application processes or stores.
Integrity (HIGH): Successful exploitation enables an attacker to modify, corrupt, or destroy data within the affected system. This includes the potential to tamper with system files, install backdoors or persistent malware, alter critical configurations, and manipulate application logic to serve malicious purposes.
Availability (HIGH): The vulnerability can be exploited to cause complete denial of service, rendering the affected system or application unavailable to legitimate users. System crashes, infinite loops, or resource exhaustion may persist until manual administrative intervention restores normal operation.
Scope (Unchanged): The exploitation impact is contained within the security scope of the vulnerable component itself. While the damage within that scope can be severe with full compromise of the affected application, lateral impact on other systems requires additional exploitation steps.
With an EPSS score of 0.87959 (99.48th percentile), this vulnerability ranks among the most likely to be exploited in the wild, placing it well above the vast majority of all cataloged vulnerabilities in terms of real-world exploitation activity.
Exploit Maturity
CVE-2013-0641 demonstrates significant exploit maturity with confirmed active exploitation in the wild.
Active exploitation: This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming that it has been observed being actively exploited by threat actors. The KEV designation mandates federal agencies to apply remediation within a defined timeframe and serves as a strong signal of real-world risk.
Ransomware association: As of the current KEV catalog data, no direct ransomware association has been confirmed for CVE-2013-0641. However, the vulnerability's characteristics and confirmed exploitation in the wild mean it remains a viable vector for various threat actors including cybercriminals and advanced persistent threat groups.
Exploit availability: While specific public exploit code references were not identified in the NVD data, the vulnerability's inclusion in the KEV catalog confirms real-world exploitation. Threat intelligence sources and underground forums may host exploit tools not captured in public databases.
KEV remediation deadline: CISA set a remediation deadline of 2022-03-24 for federal agencies, underscoring the urgency of patching. Organizations beyond the federal sector should treat this deadline as a strong indicator of the risk level and prioritize remediation accordingly.
Remediation
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Apply vendor-provided security patches immediately. Apply updates per vendor instructions. Consult the official security advisory for specific patch versions and deployment guidance.
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Verify affected product versions in your environment. Affected products include: Acrobat (>= 9.0, < 9.5.4; >= 10.0, < 10.1.6; >= 11.0, < 11.0.02), Acrobat Reader (>= 10.0, < 10.1.6; >= 11.0, < 11.0.02; >= 9.0, < 9.5.4), Enterprise Linux Desktop (6.0), Enterprise Linux Eus (5.9; 6.4), Enterprise Linux Server (6.0), Enterprise Linux Server Aus (5.9; 6.4), Enterprise Linux Workstation (6.0), Opensuse (11.4; 12.1), Linux Enterprise Desktop (10; 11). Conduct an inventory of all instances across your organization to ensure comprehensive patch coverage and prevent any unpatched systems from remaining exposed.
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Implement interim mitigations if immediate patching is not feasible. Educate users about the risk of opening untrusted files or documents. Implement application whitelisting and configure email gateways to block or quarantine suspicious attachments. Enable Protected View or sandboxed execution in document applications where available.
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Enable enhanced monitoring and detection. Configure intrusion detection systems and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect exploitation attempts targeting CVE-2013-0641. Review security logs for indicators of compromise and establish alerting for anomalous behavior on systems running affected software.
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Conduct a post-patch vulnerability assessment. After applying patches, verify that the remediation was effective by running vulnerability scans against all previously affected systems. Confirm the vulnerability is no longer present and ensure no instances were missed during deployment.
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Review and update incident response procedures. Ensure your incident response plan accounts for potential exploitation of CVE-2013-0641. Document patching status and maintain evidence of remediation for compliance and audit purposes.
Technical Details
CVE-2013-0641 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Adobe Reader. A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Adobe Reader which allows an attacker to perform remote code execution.
Attack Vector: The attack vector is LOCAL, meaning exploitation requires the attacker to have local access to the target system or to trick a user into performing a local action such as opening a malicious file. While this limits remote exploitation, it remains highly exploitable through social engineering and phishing campaigns.
Attack Complexity: The attack complexity is LOW. Exploitation does not require specialized conditions, race conditions, or extensive preparation — making it accessible to a broad range of attackers including those with limited technical sophistication.
Prerequisites: No prior privileges are required. User interaction is required, typically involving a victim opening a specially crafted file, clicking a malicious link, or visiting a compromised website.
Underlying mechanism: The vulnerability stems from buffer copy without checking size of input ('classic buffer overflow'), where classic buffer overflow is a vulnerability that occurs when a program copies data to a buffer without first checking that the data fits within the buffer's allocated size. In the context of Reader, this manifests when processing specially crafted input that triggers the underlying memory corruption or logic flaw, allowing the attacker to achieve code execution or other malicious outcomes.
Affected products: Acrobat (>= 9.0, < 9.5.4; >= 10.0, < 10.1.6; >= 11.0, < 11.0.02), Acrobat Reader (>= 10.0, < 10.1.6; >= 11.0, < 11.0.02; >= 9.0, < 9.5.4), Enterprise Linux Desktop (6.0), Enterprise Linux Eus (5.9; 6.4), Enterprise Linux Server (6.0), Enterprise Linux Server Aus (5.9; 6.4), Enterprise Linux Workstation (6.0), Opensuse (11.4; 12.1), Linux Enterprise Desktop (10; 11). Organizations should cross-reference their deployed versions against this list to assess their exposure to this vulnerability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2013-0641?
CVE-2013-0641 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8) affecting Adobe Reader. A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in Adobe Reader which allows an attacker to perform remote code execution. It is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild.
Which products are affected by CVE-2013-0641?
The vulnerability affects Adobe products including Acrobat, Acrobat Reader. Affected versions include >= 9.0, < 9.5.4; >= 10.0, < 10.1.6; >= 11.0, < 11.0.02. Organizations should consult the vendor's security advisory for the complete list of affected versions and available patches.
How do I fix CVE-2013-0641?
Apply updates per vendor instructions. Refer to the official vendor security advisory for specific patch downloads and deployment instructions. If immediate patching is not possible, implement interim mitigations such as restricting access to the vulnerable component, enabling enhanced monitoring, and educating users about potential attack vectors. Verify remediation effectiveness with post-patch vulnerability scanning.
How severe is CVE-2013-0641?
CVE-2013-0641 is rated HIGH with a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.8. Its EPSS score of 0.87959 places it in the 99.48th percentile for exploitation likelihood, meaning it is more likely to be exploited than 99.5% of all known vulnerabilities. The KEV remediation deadline was 2022-03-24, and the vulnerability's confirmed active exploitation makes it a high-priority remediation target. Organizations should treat patching as urgent regardless of whether they believe they are currently targeted.
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