CVE-2024-30280 Overview
CVE-2024-30280 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability affecting Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader versions 20.005.30574, 24.002.20736, and earlier. The flaw resides in file parsing logic and allows an attacker to read past the end of an allocated memory structure. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the current user. Exploitation requires user interaction, specifically opening a crafted PDF file. The weakness is classified under CWE-125.
Critical Impact
Attackers can execute code as the current user when a victim opens a malicious PDF, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability on Windows and macOS endpoints.
Affected Products
- Adobe Acrobat DC and Acrobat Reader DC (Continuous track) up to 24.002.20736
- Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader (Classic track) up to 20.005.30574
- Deployments on Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-05-23 - CVE-2024-30280 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-30280
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read [CWE-125] triggered by parsing a crafted PDF file in Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader. When the parser processes malformed structures within the file, it dereferences memory beyond the bounds of an allocated buffer. This condition exposes adjacent memory contents and can corrupt program state used for subsequent control-flow decisions. Combined with other primitives, an attacker can steer execution and run arbitrary code within the user's security context. The EPSS score of 6.645% places this issue in the 93rd percentile for likelihood of exploitation activity.
Root Cause
The parser fails to validate bounds when reading a field or index from a crafted PDF object. This results in a read past the end of an allocated memory structure during document processing.
Attack Vector
Exploitation is local and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a malicious PDF through phishing email, watering-hole downloads, or messaging platforms. When the victim opens the document in a vulnerable Acrobat or Reader build, the parser triggers the out-of-bounds read and can enable code execution as the current user.
No verified public proof-of-concept code is available. See the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-29 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-30280
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected crashes or exception events originating from AcroRd32.exe or Acrobat.exe when opening PDF attachments.
- PDF files with malformed object streams delivered via email, chat, or drive-by download.
- Child processes spawned by Acrobat or Reader such as cmd.exe, powershell.exe, or wscript.exe.
- Outbound network connections initiated shortly after a PDF is opened on a user workstation.
Detection Strategies
- Hunt for Acrobat or Reader processes creating scripting or shell child processes, a common post-exploitation pattern.
- Correlate PDF file opens with subsequent file writes to user-writable paths such as %TEMP% or %APPDATA%.
- Inventory installed Acrobat and Reader versions and flag builds at or below 24.002.20736 (Continuous) and 20.005.30574 (Classic).
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable process creation and command-line auditing on Windows endpoints to capture Acrobat child-process chains.
- Forward endpoint telemetry, email gateway logs, and web proxy logs to a central analytics platform for correlation.
- Alert on Acrobat or Reader crash telemetry, which can indicate exploitation attempts against memory-safety flaws.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-30280
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Adobe Acrobat and Acrobat Reader to the fixed builds listed in Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-29.
- Inventory endpoints running the Continuous and Classic tracks and prioritize systems that handle PDFs from external senders.
- Restrict execution of PDFs from untrusted sources at the email gateway until patching is complete.
Patch Information
Adobe published fixes for CVE-2024-30280 in security bulletin APSB24-29. Administrators should deploy the updated Continuous and Classic builds referenced in the Adobe Security Advisory APSB24-29 across all Windows and macOS endpoints.
Workarounds
- Enable Protected View and Protected Mode in Acrobat and Reader to sandbox untrusted PDF content.
- Block or quarantine PDF attachments from external senders at the email gateway until patches are applied.
- Configure application allowlisting to prevent Acrobat and Reader from launching scripting interpreters or shell binaries.
- Educate users to avoid opening unsolicited PDFs, given that exploitation requires user interaction.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
