CVE-2020-9697:Memory Leak Vulnerability in Adobe Acrobat and Reader

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Adobe Acrobat and Reader versions 2020.009.20074 and earlier, 2020.001.30002, 2017.011.30171 and earlier, and 2015.006.30523 and earlier contain a memory leak vulnerability (CWE-401). Successful exploitation could lead to disclosure of sensitive data through memory leaks, potentially exposing information that should remain protected.

Overview

This vulnerability (CVE-2020-9697) affects multiple versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader. It is classified as a memory leak vulnerability (CWE-401), which occurs when the application fails to properly release allocated memory when no longer needed. This can lead to the disclosure of sensitive information that may remain in memory. The vulnerability could allow attackers to access sensitive data that should be protected, potentially compromising user privacy and security. The issue affects both newer and legacy versions of Adobe's PDF software, including the 2020, 2017, and 2015 release tracks.

Remediation

Users should update to the latest version of Adobe Acrobat and Reader as specified in Adobe's security bulletin APSB20-48. Adobe has released patches for all affected versions:

  • For Acrobat and Reader 2020.x: Update to version newer than 2020.009.20074
  • For Acrobat and Reader 2020.001.x: Update to version newer than 2020.001.30002
  • For Acrobat and Reader 2017.x: Update to version newer than 2017.011.30171
  • For Acrobat and Reader 2015.x: Update to version newer than 2015.006.30523

Until updates can be applied, users should consider limiting the opening of PDF documents from untrusted sources and implementing additional security controls to monitor for unusual memory usage patterns.

References

  1. Adobe Security Bulletin (APSB20-48): https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/acrobat/apsb20-48.html
  2. Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE-401): Memory Leak - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/401.html
  3. MITRE CVE Entry: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2020-9697

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  3. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  4. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  5. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  6. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  9. Utilities
    Utilities
  10. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  11. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  12. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  13. Information
    Information
  14. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  15. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  16. Construction
    Construction
  17. Mining
    Mining
  18. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  19. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  20. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services

Focus on What Matters

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  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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