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Full vulnerability report · 2017
CVE-2017-16368High confidence

This vulnerability leads to a stack-based buffer overflow condition in the internal Unicode string manipulation module

n/a · Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, 11.0.22 and earlier versions

8.8HighCVSS 3.1
Recommended action
Within 7 days

High technical severity; prioritise exposed affected systems while verifying vendor guidance.

Fix not verified
Optional official sources

National CERT insights
?CERT means Computer Emergency Response Team; CSIRT is the closely related term Computer Security Incident Response Team.

Select the national-authority views to include. The exact source language is shown on each matched advisory. Your choice is remembered on this device and encoded in the shareable URL.

Official European source

ENISA European Vulnerability Database

Official EUVD identifiers, advisory evidence and known-exploited context. Missing fields are not treated as evidence of low risk.

1 current
ENISA EUVD identifier

EUVD-2017-7562

No EUVD known-exploited evidence

ENISA has published the identifier mapping but no EUVD description has been stored yet.

EUVD state
Present in the current official mapping
Known exploitation
Not present in the current ENISA EUVD known-exploited dataset. This is not proof of no exploitation.
ENISA score
Not supplied in the stored EUVD record
Advisory evidence
No linked advisory details stored yet
Recommended actionWithin 7 days

High technical severity; prioritise exposed affected systems while verifying vendor guidance.

Fix not verified
01

What, why and how

An issue was discovered in Adobe Acrobat and Reader: 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, and 11.0.22 and earlier versions. This vulnerability leads to a stack-based buffer overflow condition in the internal Unicode string manipulation module. It is triggered by an invalid PDF file, where a crafted Unicode string causes an out of bounds memory access of a stack allocated buffer, due to improper checks when manipulating an offset of a pointer to the buffer. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability and achieve arbitrary code execution if they can effectively control the accessible memory.

What

An issue was discovered in Adobe Acrobat and Reader: 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, and 11.0.22 and earlier versions. This vulnerability leads to a stack-based buffer overflow condition in the internal Unicode string manipulation module. It is triggered by an invalid PDF file, where a crafted Unicode string causes an out of bounds memory access of a stack allocated buffer, due to improper checks when manipulating an offset of a pointer to the buffer. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability and achieve arbitrary code execution if they can effectively control the accessible memory.

Why

The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it reads from or writes to a memory location outside the buffer's intended boundary. This may result in read or write operations on unexpected memory locations that could be linked to other variables, data structures, or internal program data.

How

An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation without authentication after a user interaction. If successful, the issue may execute code or commands in the affected security context.

What

An issue was discovered in Adobe Acrobat and Reader: 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, and 11.0.22 and earlier versions. This vulnerability leads to a stack-based buffer overflow condition in the internal Unicode string manipulation module. It is triggered by an invalid PDF file, where a crafted Unicode string causes an out of bounds memory access of a stack allocated buffer, due to improper checks when manipulating an offset of a pointer to the buffer. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability and achieve arbitrary code execution if they can effectively control the accessible memory.

Why

The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it reads from or writes to a memory location outside the buffer's intended boundary. This may result in read or write operations on unexpected memory locations that could be linked to other variables, data structures, or internal program data.

How

An attacker operating through a network path may attempt exploitation without authentication after a user interaction. If successful, the issue may execute code or commands in the affected security context.

02

Exploit reality and attack path

CVSS severity, EPSS forecast probability, public exploit material and CISA-confirmed exploitation are separate signals.

Observed exploitation
?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.
No confirmed evidence

No CISA KEV match was present at the last successful refresh. This means no confirmation from that source, not proof of no exploitation.

Public PoC / exploit material
?Confirmed exploitation and public exploit material are separate signals. Attacks can occur without public proof-of-concept or exploit code.
None recorded

No exploit-tagged reference or CISA SSVC proof-of-concept state is currently recorded. Research may still exist outside the structured feeds.

Likely attack path
a network path → Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer → execute code or commands in the affected security context
Attack surface
Network
Privileges required
None: unauthenticated exploitation is possible
User interaction
Required interaction required
Attack complexity
Low: no specialised conditions are recorded
Security boundary
Unchanged: impact remains within the vulnerable component's security authority
Weakness
?CWE means Common Weakness Enumeration: a standard category for the underlying weakness.
CWE-119

CWE-119: Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer. The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it reads from or writes to a memory location outside the buffer's intended boundary. This may result in read or write operations on unexpected memory locations that could be linked to other variables, data structures, or internal program data.

CVSS vector
?CVSS means Common Vulnerability Scoring System. The vector records the metric values used to calculate technical severity.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Common Vulnerability Scoring System 3.1: the compact vector below is decoded into plain language.

AVNetworkAttack vector: The vulnerable component can be reached over a network.ACLowAttack complexity: No specialised conditions are required beyond attacker-controlled input.PRNonePrivileges required: The attacker does not need an account or existing privileges.UIRequiredUser interaction: Another user must perform an action for exploitation to succeed.SUnchangedScope: The security impact remains within the vulnerable component's authority.CHighConfidentiality impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.IHighIntegrity impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.AHighAvailability impact: A successful attack can cause a major loss.
Post-exploitation / living off the land
After compromise, an attacker may use built-in shells, scripting engines, scheduled tasks and native network utilities for discovery, persistence or movement. This is a plausible LoTL path, not evidence that it has occurred for every attack.
NetworkUnauthenticatedRemote code executionCWE-119
A

Official authority intelligence

Only matched European and national findings are included. Language selectors and unavailable sources are omitted.

Canadian Centre for Cyber Security · English · AV17-168Adobe security updates

G Converter APSB17-38 - InDesign APSB17-39 - Adobe Digital Editions APSB17-40 - Adobe Shockwave Player APSB17-41 - Adobe Experience Manager CVE References: CVE-2017-3112, CVE-2017-3114, CVE-2017-11213, CVE-2017-11215, CVE-2017-11225, CVE-2017-11303, CVE-2017-11304, CVE-2017-11291, CVE-2017-11287, CVE-2017-11288, CVE-2017-11289, CVE-2017-11290, CVE-2017-16377, CVE-2017-16378, CVE-2017-16360, CVE-2017-16388, CVE-2017-16389, CVE-2017-16390, CVE-2017-16393, CVE-2017-16398, CVE-2017-16381, CVE-2017-16385, CVE-2017-16392, CVE-2017-16395, CVE-2017-16396, CVE-2017-16363, CVE-2017-16365, CVE-2017-16374, CVE-2017-16384, CVE-2017-16386, CVE-2017-16387, CVE-2017-16368, CVE-2017-16383, CVE-2017-16391, CVE-2017-16410, CVE-2017-16362, CVE-2017-16370, CVE-2017-16376, CVE-2017-16382, CVE-2017-16394, CVE-2017-16397, CVE-2017-16399, CVE-2017-16400, CVE-2017-16401, CVE-2017-16402, CVE-2017-16403, CVE-2017-16404, CVE-2017-16405, CVE-2017-16408, CVE-2017-16409, CVE-2017-16412, CVE-2017-16414, CVE-2017-16417, CVE-2017-16418, CVE-2017-16420, CVE-2017-11293, CVE-2017-16407, CVE-2017-16413, CVE-2017-16415, CVE-2017-16416, CVE-2017-16361, CVE-2017-16366, CVE-2017-16369, CVE-2017-16380, CVE-2017-16419, CVE-2017-16367, CVE-2017-16379, CVE-2017-16406, CVE-2017-16364, CVE-2017-16371, CVE-2017-16372, CVE-2017-16373, CVE-2017

Official advisory ↗
CERT-FR · French · CERTFR-2017-AVI-414Multiples vulnérabilités dans Adobe Acrobat et Reader

d?id=CVE-2017-11293 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16360 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16360 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16361 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16361 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16362 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16362 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16363 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16363 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16364 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16364 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16365 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16365 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16366 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16366 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16367 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16367 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16368 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16368 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16369 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16369 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16370 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16370 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16371 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16371 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16372 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16372 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16373 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16373 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16374 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16374 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16375 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2017-16375 Référence CVE CVE-2017-16376 https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=

Official advisory ↗
JVN iPedia · Japanese · JVNDB-2017-010645Adobe Reader および Acrobat の Unicode 文字列操作モジュールにおけるスタックベースのバッファオーバーフローの脆弱性

Adobe Reader および Acrobat の Unicode 文字列操作モジュールは、バッファへのポインタのオフセットを操作する際、不適切に確認するため、スタックベースのバッファオーバーフローの脆弱性が存在します。

Official advisory ↗
KISA KrCERT/CC · Korean · KNVD-4817Adobe 제품군 신규 취약점 보안 업데이트 권고

- 원격 코드 실행으로 이어질 수 있는 버퍼 오버플로우/언더플로우 취약점(CVE-2017-16368)

Official advisory ↗
03

Patch and workaround

Operational remediation based on structured source evidence.

Status
?Patch availability is based on structured fixed-version fields and authoritative update references. If no fix is verified, check the vendor advisory before making a change.
Fix not verified
Affected
Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, 11.0.22 and earlier versions: Adobe Acrobat Reader 2017.012.20098 and earlier versions, 2017.011.30066 and earlier versions, 2015.006.30355 and earlier versions, 11.0.22 and earlier versions
Fixed
No fixed version is explicitly recorded in the structured CVE data.
Action
No verified patch reference is present in the current structured sources. Check the vendor advisory before making a change.
Workaround
No verified workaround is recorded. If business-safe, reduce exposure to the affected interface and allow only trusted sources until authoritative guidance is available.
04

Evidence and provenance

Published 9 Dec 2017 · Last source change 6 May 2025, 14:55 UTC · CWE-119 · Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer

CVE recordCVE.org · 5.1
CVSS sourceCISA ADP
EPSS source
?The date BlackTree first stored a score for this CVE from the daily FIRST EPSS feed.
FIRST · tracked since 2026-09-01
European sourceENISA EUVD · EUVD-2017-7562
Product sourceCNA
Remediation sourceCVE/CNA references
CWE sourceCISA ADP
NVD statusNVD modified after enrichment

Core structured fields are present and their contributing authorities are shown above.

Material change intelligence

What changed after publication

View recent updates ↗
  1. Vendor guidanceAuthoritative vendor guidance changed from no authoritative guidance recorded to vendor advisory.
    Before
    no authoritative guidance recorded
    After
    vendor advisory
    af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
  2. ENISA EUVD mappingEUVD-2017-7562 was added to the official ENISA EUVD mapping for this CVE.
    Before
    not recorded
    After
    {"euvdId":"EUVD-2017-7562"}
    ENISA EUVD
  3. Catalogue recordCVE added to the BlackTree catalogue.
    CNA
Material fields only · duplicate refreshes suppressed · history retained for the configured operational retention period
Technical terms and abbreviations used in this report
CVE
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures: the public identifier for one disclosed vulnerability.
CVSS
Common Vulnerability Scoring System: a technical severity framework; it is not patching priority by itself.
EPSS
Exploit Prediction Scoring System: FIRST's estimate of the probability that exploitation activity will be observed in the next 30 days; it is a forecast, not confirmation.
CWE
Common Weakness Enumeration: the standard category describing the underlying software or hardware weakness.
CNA
CVE Numbering Authority: an organisation authorised to assign and publish CVE records.
CISA ADP
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Authorized Data Publisher: structured enrichment added to a CVE record.
NVD
National Vulnerability Database: NIST's enrichment service for CVE records.
CERT / CSIRT
A computer security incident response team that publishes warnings or coordinates incident response.
PoC
Proof of concept: public material that demonstrates or helps reproduce exploitation.
CSAF
Common Security Advisory Framework: a machine-readable format for security advisories.
LoTL
Living off the land: abuse of legitimate tools or system functions during an attack.
Free version - for non-commercial use only.CVE-2017-16368 · cve.blacktree.nl