Adobe Acrobat Reader allows code execution
| acrobat-reader-execute-code (16973) |  High Risk |
Description:
Adobe Acrobat Reader is a program used for reading PDF files. Acrobat Reader versions 5.05 and 5.06 and possibly other versions running on Unix and Linux platforms could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the system. The uudecode utility fails to properly filter the backtick shell metacharacter in the filenames. By creating a specially-crafted PDF file, a remote attacker could execute arbitrary code on the system, with user privileges, once the file is opened. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending the malicious file to a victim in an email.
Platforms Affected:
- Adobe, Acrobat Reader 5.0.5
- Adobe, Acrobat Reader 5.0.6
- Gentoo, Linux
- RedHat, Enterprise Linux 3 WS
- RedHat, Enterprise Linux 3 ES
- RedHat, Enterprise Linux 3 Desktop
- RedHat, Enterprise Linux 3 AS
- RedHat, RHEL Extras 3
Remedy:
Upgrade to the latest version of Acrobat Reader (5.0.9 or later), available from the Adobe Systems Incorporated Downloads Web page. See References.
For Gentoo Linux:
Upgrade to the latest version of Acrobat Reader (5.09 or later), as listed in GLSA 200408-14. See References.
For Red Hat Linux:
Upgrade to the latest Acrobat Reader package, as listed below. Refer to RHSA-2004:432-08 for more information. See References.
Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS (v. 3), ES (v. 3), WS (v. 3), Desktop: 5.09-1 or later
For other distributions:
Contact your vendor for upgrade or patch information.
Consequences:
Gain Access
References:
- CIAC Information Bulletin 0-205, Adobe Acrobat Reader Uuencoding Buffer Overflow at http://www.ciac.org/ciac/bulletins/o-205.shtml.
- iDEFENSE Security Advisory 08.12.04, Adobe Acrobat Reader (Unix) Shell Metacharacter Code Execution Vulnerability at http://www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=124&type=vulnerabilities.
- BID-10931: Adobe Acrobat Reader Shell Metacharacter Remote Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability
- CVE-2004-0630: The uudecoding feature in Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0.5 and 5.0.6 for Unix and Linux, and possibly other versions including those before 5.0.9, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters (` or backtick) in the filename of the PDF file that is provided to the uudecode command.
- GLSA-200408-14: acroread: UUDecode filename buffer overflow
- RHSA-2004-432: acroread security update
Reported:
Aug 12, 2004
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