Futures

CISA Adds High-Severity Adobe Acrobat Reader Vulnerability to KEV Catalog, (from page 20231022.)

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Summary

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added a serious flaw in Adobe Acrobat Reader, tracked as CVE-2023-21608, to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog due to active exploitation evidence. This use-after-free vulnerability, with a CVSS score of 7.8, allows for remote code execution (RCE) with the current user’s privileges. A patch was released by Adobe in January 2023, affecting several versions of Acrobat DC, Acrobat Reader DC, Acrobat 2020, and Acrobat Reader 2020. The details of the exploitation and the actors involved remain unclear, although a proof-of-concept exploit was released in late January 2023. Federal agencies must apply the necessary patches by October 31, 2023, to protect against these threats.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Active exploitation of vulnerabilities in widely used software High-severity flaws in common software like Adobe Acrobat are being actively exploited. Shift from stable software usage to increased vulnerability due to exploitation. Increased focus on software security in development and user practices due to exploitation risks. The rising sophistication of cyber threats and the need for enhanced security measures. 4
Mandatory patching deadlines for federal agencies Federal agencies are required to apply patches by specific deadlines to secure networks. Transition from voluntary to mandatory security practices for government software management. Potential establishment of stricter cybersecurity regulations and compliance measures in various sectors. Growing awareness and concern about cybersecurity threats to government and public infrastructure. 5
Emergence of proof-of-concept exploits Proof-of-concept exploits are being released shortly after vulnerabilities are discovered. From vulnerability identification to immediate risk of exploitation through available PoCs. Increased speed of exploit development could lead to shorter windows for software security. The competitive nature of cybercriminals to exploit known vulnerabilities quickly. 4
Increased collaboration in vulnerability discovery Collaborative efforts by researchers lead to quicker identification and reporting of vulnerabilities. From isolated discovery to collaborative approaches in cybersecurity research. Stronger partnerships between security researchers and software vendors may enhance software security. The need for collective defense strategies in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. 3

Concerns

name description relevancy
Active Exploitation of Vulnerabilities The active exploitation of CVE-2023-21608 highlights risks in defending against ongoing cyber threats. 5
Remote Code Execution Risks The use-after-free bug allows remote code execution, posing significant security threats to users. 5
Delayed Patch Application Risks Federal agencies risk falling prey to exploitation if patches are not applied by the deadline of October 31, 2023. 4
Increased Attack Surface of PDF Applications With multiple vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-21608 being targeted, PDF applications present a vulnerable attack surface for cyber threats. 4
Lack of Awareness About Exploited Vulnerabilities The unknown details of exploitation suggest a negligence in keeping users informed about threats they face. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Increased Focus on Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities Organizations are prioritizing the identification and patching of high-severity vulnerabilities to protect against active exploitation. 5
Rapid Response to Exploitation Reports Security teams are acting quickly to address vulnerabilities as soon as they are reported and acknowledged by authorities like CISA. 4
Collaboration Between Researchers and Companies There is a growing trend of collaboration between security researchers and software companies to identify and fix vulnerabilities efficiently. 4
Mandatory Compliance for Federal Agencies Federal agencies are implementing strict deadlines for patching vulnerabilities to ensure cybersecurity compliance and protection. 5
Proliferation of Proof-of-Concept Exploits The availability of proof-of-concept exploits is increasing, indicating a rise in knowledge sharing among cybersecurity professionals and attackers. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
A type of security flaw that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting memory management issues. 4 089706e00a9c0d142049a6a6c557e3e7
A capability that allows an attacker to run commands on a victim’s machine remotely, often through vulnerabilities in software. 5 089706e00a9c0d142049a6a6c557e3e7
A demonstration used to show the feasibility of exploiting a vulnerability, often preceding actual attacks. 3 089706e00a9c0d142049a6a6c557e3e7

Issues

name description relevancy
Adobe Acrobat Vulnerabilities Recent high-severity vulnerabilities in Adobe Acrobat and Reader indicate ongoing security challenges in widely used software. 5
Active Exploitation of Software Flaws Evidence of active exploitation of vulnerabilities highlights the need for timely software updates and awareness of security risks. 4
Remote Code Execution Threats The potential for remote code execution through software vulnerabilities raises concerns about user data security and privacy. 5
Impact on Federal Cybersecurity Compliance Federal agencies must comply with patch requirements, reflecting the importance of cybersecurity in government operations. 4
Emerging Exploit Techniques The availability of proof-of-concept exploits for vulnerabilities suggests evolving tactics used by cybercriminals. 3