Title: Adobe Unix Acrobat Reader WWWLaunchNetscape Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
Severity: MODERATE
Description:
Acrobat Reader is an application for reading, navigating, and printing PDF (Portable Document Format) files.
An individual has reported that Adobe Acrobat Reader for Unix systems is vulnerable to a buffer overflow condition. The error is allegedly related to the processing of hyperlinks, in the function "WWWLaunchNetscape". The flaw is triggered only when Netscape is set as the browser to be used in the preferences (this is the default configuration).
According to the report, the overflow occurs when a user viewing a malicious document accesses an embedded link that is greater than 256 bytes in length. It appears that this overflow is in stack memory as the discoverer has stated that the return address is overwritten. If this is accurate, the vulnerability will allow for the execution of custom instructions on affected systems.
It should be noted that it is not confirmed that Acrobat Reader for Windows is not affected. Users of both versions should exhibit caution until there is a response from the vendor. 4.x versions of the reader are reportedly not prone to this issue.
Affected Products:
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (UNIX) 4.0.05
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (UNIX) 5.0.05
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (UNIX) 5.0.06
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (UNIX) 5.0.07
References:
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