CVE-2014-0546
Published: May 25, 2022
Official Description
Adobe Reader and Acrobat on Windows allow attackers to bypass a sandbox protection mechanism, and consequently execute native code in a privileged context.
CISA KEV Advisory
Adobe Reader and Acrobat Sandbox Bypass Vulnerability
Adobe Reader and Acrobat on Windows allow attackers to bypass a sandbox protection mechanism, and consequently execute native code in a privileged context.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This high-severity vulnerability in Adobe Reader and Acrobat on Windows allows an attacker to bypass security sandboxes and execute code with elevated privileges. The high EPSS score of 0.44068 indicates a significant likelihood of exploitation, and its presence in CISA's KEV catalog confirms it has been actively exploited.
This vulnerability has been observed in active exploitation in the wild, indicating a clear and present danger. Attackers can remotely exploit this flaw.
System administrators should apply available patches or upgrade Adobe Reader and Acrobat on Windows to the latest secure versions to mitigate this risk.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2014-0546 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2014-0546 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2014-0546 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1