Title: Adobe AcroRead Insecure Default Font List Permissions Vulnerability
Severity: MODERATE
Description:
Adobe Acrobat Reader is a freely available PDF document reading utility distributed by Adobe. A problem with the program could allow local users to gain elevated privileges.
When executed, the Acrobat Reader creates a predictable file, and sets the permissions to 0666, granting world read and write access. This file is a font list, which indexes fonts on the system usable by the Acrobat Reader.
A malicious local user may be able to create a symbolic link with the filename used by Acrobat Reader. When the legitimate font file is created, the symbolic link will be followed, and the specified file will have it's permissions changed to 0666. The attacker will then be able to modify the specified file.
This additional access may allow the attacker to replace or modify a binary or script file used by the vulnerable user. When this file is later executed, the attacker will gain the privileges of the vulnerable user.
Reportedly, Acrobat Reader 5.05 creates the file as /tmp/AdobeFnt.lst.UID (including the UID of the invoking user). Acrobat Reader 4.05 creates the font list file in the user's home directory, possibly reducing the risk of exploitation.
It has been reported that Acrobat Reader for Mac OS X does not suffer from this vulnerability.
Affected Products:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (UNIX) 4.0.0 5
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (UNIX) 5.0.0 5
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